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MOMENTS WITH THE 
 CONSOLING CHRIST 
 
foments tottf) t|je 
 Consoling Christ 
 
 PRAYERS SELECTED FROM 
 
 THOMAS A KEMPIS 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. JOHN A. DILLON, LL.D. 
 
 WITH FOREWORD BY 
 Right Rev. JOHN J. O'CONNOR, D.D. 
 
 BISHOP OF NEWARK 
 
 NEW YORK 
 SCHWARTZ, KIRWIN & FAUSS 
 
<; 
 
 ffiltyil iDfotat 
 
 Arthur J. Scanlan, S.T.D. 
 Censor Librorum 
 
 jmpthmtm 
 
 Joseph F. Mooney, V.G. 
 Administrator 
 
 New York, December %> 1918 
 
 DEC 23 1918 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY 
 SCHWARTZ, KIRWIN & FAUSS 
 
 ©GLA508.638 
 
*s. 
 
 < 
 
 
 TO 
 
 <*-' 
 
 MARY IMMACULATE 
 
 * 
 
 THE VALIANT WOMAN 
 
 y 
 
 Mother of the Consoling Christ 
 
 
 EXEMPLAR 
 
 
 OF 
 
 
 HEROIC WOMANHOOD 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 LOURING the last five centuries men 
 and women, weighed down with the 
 cares of fife, have gathered strength and 
 courage and comfort by reflecting on 
 the thoughts of Thomas a Kempis. 
 So personal is the message which his 
 writings convey that, open them where 
 you will, the passage that first meets 
 the eye seems to be singularly suited 
 to the needs of each individual soul. 
 
 With the philosophy, reflections and 
 quotations in the works of this ascetical 
 writer are interwoven beautiful prayers, 
 concealed like hidden treasures, just as 
 in Holy Scripture the prayers which so 
 effectively touched the Heart of Christ 
 when He was on earth are sometimes 
 lost sight of, surrounded as they are by 
 the vivid descriptions and striking illus- 
 trations of the Sacred Text. 
 
 Doctor Dillon has collected the prayers 
 of a Kempis and arranged them under 
 well-chosen titles into this little volume. 
 The words of the text have not been 
 
JForetoori 
 
 altered. Hence their solidity and effi- 
 cacy remain. 
 
 At no time in the history of the world 
 has prayer been more urgent and imper- 
 ative. In attendance at Mass, visits 
 to the Blessed Sacrament, preparation 
 and thanksgiving for Confession and 
 Communion, the use of this prayer 
 book will do much to increase fervor 
 and devotion. And when difficulties 
 perplex, temptations assail and sorrow 
 overwhelms, I am confident that troubled 
 souls will find adequate expression of 
 their spiritual wants in " Moments with 
 the Consoling Christ." 
 
 ^John J. O'Connor 
 
 Bishop of Newark 
 
 Feast of All Saints 
 1918 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Cross of Christ 1 
 
 Christ our Divine Teacher 3 
 
 Christ our Bountiful Good 7 
 
 Christ our Safe Refuge 10 
 
 Christ our Pledge of Grace .... 13 
 
 Christ our Ardent Desire 16 
 
 Christ our Infallible Truth .... 21 
 
 Christ our Firm Confidence 25 
 
 Christ our Only Rest 27 
 
 Christ our Glorious Example .... 31 
 
 Christ our Place of Strength ... 34 
 
 Christ our Anchor of Hope 37 
 
 Christ our Just Law 43 
 
 Christ our Living Way ....... 48 
 
 Christ our Unfailing Light 50 
 
 Christ our Faithful Guide 52 
 
 Christ our Hidden Wisdom 55 
 
 Christ our Merciful Deliverer ... 57 
 
 Christ our Strong Defence 60 
 
 Christ our Future Glory 63 
 
 Christ our True Friend 67 
 
 Christ our Throne of Mercy .... 73 
 
Content* 
 
 Christ our Everlasting Joy . . . 
 Christ our Blessed Resignation . 
 Christ our Royal Pardon .... 
 Christ our Holy Perseverance . 
 Christ our Generous Reward . . 
 Christ our Priceless Ransom . . 
 
 The Mother of Christ 
 
 Christ our Adorable Sacrament . 
 Christ our Spiritual Refreshment 
 Christ our Heavenly Bread . . . 
 Christ our Fountain of Sweetness 
 Christ our Devout Preparation . 
 Christ our Clean Oblation . 
 Christ our Celestial Banquet 
 Christ our Sovereign Peace . 
 Christ our Abiding Presence 
 Christ our Internal Union . 
 Christ our Eternal Blessing 
 
 75 
 
 82 
 
 89 
 
 93 
 
 97 
 
 99 
 
 103 
 
 106 
 
 118 
 
 123 
 
 128 
 
 134 
 
 135 
 
 139 
 
 146 
 
 150 
 
 153 
 
 156 
 
%f)t Ctpssf of C&rtet 
 
 God forbid that I should glory save in 
 the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 — Gal 6 : 14. 
 
 CROSS of my Saviour! I adore 
 Thee, I embrace thee with the most 
 profound humility, the most ardent love. 
 
 vJ CROSS, how happy art thou to 
 have pillowed the thorn-crowned head 
 of the Holy of Holies, and supported His 
 nail-pierced feet! Thou art forever 
 sanctified by the body of Jesus and con- 
 secrated by His blood. 
 
 1 HOU art the bed of pain which heard 
 the last words and received the last sigh 
 of the Son of God; the altar upon which 
 He offered Himself for the sins of the 
 world. Thou art the Ark of the Cove- 
 nant bearing the Author of the Old and 
 the New Testament, the urn of gold en- 
 closing the hidden Manna, the treasury 
 of the riches of heaven. 
 
 1 
 
2 JHomente tott|) t&e Consoling C&rtet 
 
 XjLESSED Cross! from thee have 
 come the Sacraments of the Church. 
 By thee Priests are consecrated, the sick 
 receive the last anointing, the dying are 
 strengthened and comforted. 
 
 \J CROSS of my Redeemer and my 
 Cod, how sweet and powerful thou art 
 to heal the wounds of our soul, to com- 
 fort our sorrowing hearts! Thou hast 
 brought salvation and joy to the world, 
 and plunged into hell the demons of 
 gloom and despair. 
 
 xHOU art the hope of the faithful, 
 the shield of martyrs, the strength of 
 confessors, the crown of virgins, the 
 consolation of the sorrowing, the support 
 of old age, the guide of youth, and the 
 refuge of all in tribulation. 
 
 PRECIOUS tree, thou that hast borne 
 on thy branches the Fruit of Life, and 
 witnessed the anguish of the Mother 
 of Jesus, grant that at my death I may 
 be received by Him to whom thou 
 hast served as the instrument of my 
 salvation. Amen. 
 
Cfjrist out SDtfeme Racier 
 
 Direct me in Thy truth; and teach me; 
 
 for Thou art God my Saviour; and on 
 
 Thee have I waited all the day long. 
 
 — Ps. 24:5. 
 
 TRUTH! my God! make me one 
 with Thee in everlasting love. I am 
 often wearied with the many things I 
 read and hear; in Thee is all that I 
 wish or long for. 
 
 JLjET all teachers hold their peace, 
 and all created things keep silence in 
 Thy presence; do Thou alone speak to 
 me. 
 
 1J.ELP me, Lord God, in my good 
 purpose and in Thy holy service, and 
 grant that I may this day begin indeed, 
 since what I have hitherto done is 
 nothing. 
 
 QPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. 
 
 1 am Thy servant; give me under- 
 standing, that I may know Thy testi- 
 monies. 
 
 3 
 
4 foments toitf) tf)e Coiusolitiff Cfcriat 
 
 INCLINE my heart to the words of 
 Thy mouth; let Thy speech distill as 
 the dew. 
 
 HERETOFORE the children of Israel 
 said to Moses: Speak thou to us, and 
 we will hear; let not the Lord speak to 
 us, lest we die. 
 
 IT is not thus, Lord, it is not thus I 
 pray ; but rather with the Prophet Samuel 
 I humbly and earnestly entreat: Speak, 
 Lord, for Thy servant heareth. 
 
 XjET not Moses, nor any of the 
 Prophets, speak to me; but speak Thou 
 rather, Lord God, the Inspirer and 
 Enlightener of all the Prophets; for 
 Thou alone, without them, canst per- 
 fectly instruct me; but they, without 
 Thee, will avail me nothing. 
 
 1 HEY may indeed sound forth words, 
 but they give not the spirit. 
 
 MOST beautifully do they speak; 
 but if Thou be silent, they inflame not 
 the heart. 
 
C&riat our SDtotne Ceac&er 5 
 
 THEY give the letter, but Thou 
 disclosest the sense. 
 
 1 HEY publish the mysteries, but 
 Thou unlockest the meaning of the things 
 signified. 
 
 1 HEY declare the commandments, but 
 Thou enablest us to fulfill them. 
 
 1 HEY show the way, but Thou 
 givest strength to walk in it. 
 
 WHAT they can do is only from 
 without, but Thou instructest and en- 
 lightenest the heart. 
 
 1 HEY water outwardly, but Thou 
 givest the increase. 
 
 1 HEY cry aloud in words, but Thou 
 impartest understanding to the hearing. 
 
 J_jET not, then, Moses speak to us, 
 but Thou, Lord my God, the eternal 
 
6 foments tottj) t|>e Condoling; Clmst 
 
 Truth, lest I die and prove fruitless, if 
 I be admonished only outwardly, and 
 not inflamed within. 
 
 JLjEST it be to my condemnation that 
 the word be heard and not fulfilled, 
 known and not loved, believed and not 
 observed. 
 
 s 
 
 PEAK then, Lord, for Thy servant 
 heareth: for Thou hast the words of 
 eternal life. 
 
 !^PEAK to me, that it may be some 
 comfort to my soul, and the amendment 
 of my whole life; and also to Thy praise, 
 and glory, and everlasting honor. 
 
 BLESSED is the man whom Thou, 
 Lord, shalt instruct, and shalt teach 
 him Thy law; that Thou may est give 
 him rest from the evil days and that he 
 may not be desolate upon earth. 
 
C&ttet our ©ottnttftil (Boob 
 
 I will show thee, O man, what is good, 
 and what the Lord requireth of thee. 
 Verily to do judgment, and to love 
 mercy, and to walk solicitous with thy 
 God. — ML 6:8. 
 
 LORD my God, Thou art all my 
 good; and who am I that I should dare 
 to speak to Thee? 
 
 1 AM Thy most poor servant, and a 
 wretched little worm, much more poor 
 and contemptible than I can conceive 
 or dare express. 
 
 x ET remember, Lord, that I am 
 nothing, I have nothing, and can do 
 nothing. 
 
 1 HOU alone art good, just, and holy; 
 Thou canst do all things; Thou givest all 
 things; Thou fillest all things, leaving 
 only the sinner empty. 
 7 
 
8 Jftoments tottf) tfte Consoling; Cj)ti$i 
 
 REMEMBER Thy tender mercies, 
 and fill my heart with Thy grace, Thou 
 who wilt not that Thy works should 
 be void. 
 
 AJ.OW can I support myself in this 
 wretched life, unless Thy mercy and 
 grace strengthen me? 
 
 J.URN not away Thy face from me; 
 delay not Thy visitation, withdraw not 
 Thy comfort, lest my soul become as 
 earth without water to Thee. 
 
 LORD, teach me to do Thy will; 
 teach me to converse worthily and 
 humbly in Thy sight; for Thou art my 
 wisdom; Thou knowest me in the 
 truth, and didst know me before the 
 world was made, and before I was born 
 in the world. 
 
 JLjORD, teach me, I beseech Thee, the 
 way of truth, that I may always seek 
 Thee in simplicity of heart. 
 
C&rist out ^Sountifttl (S5oo*j 9 
 
 LET Thy Truth teach me, let it guard 
 me, and preserve me unto a happy end. 
 
 1_jET it deliver me from all evil affec- 
 tion and inordinate love, and I shall 
 walk with Thee in great freedom of 
 heart. 
 
Cfjttet out &afc Eefuge 
 
 Our God is our refuge and strength — 
 a helper in troubles. — Ps. 45 ; 4. 
 
 I BLESS Thee, heavenly Father, 
 Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because 
 Thou has vouchsafed to be mindful of 
 me, poor as I am. 
 
 FATHER of mercies, and God of aU 
 consolation, I give thanks to Thee, that 
 sometimes Thou art pleased to cherish 
 with Thy consolation, me who am 
 unworthy of any consolation. 
 
 1 BLESS and glorify Thee evermore, 
 together with Thy only-begotten Son 
 and the Holy Ghost the Comforter, 
 forever and ever. 
 
 
 
 LORD God, my holy lover, when 
 Thou shalt come into my heart, all that 
 is within me shall be filled with joy. 
 10 
 
Cbridt our Safe Kefttp 11 
 
 1 HOU art my glory and the exultation 
 of my heart. 
 
 1 HOU art my hope and my refuge in 
 the day of tribulation. 
 
 _L>UT because I am as yet weak in 
 love and imperfect in virtue, therefore 
 do I stand in need of being strengthened 
 and comforted by Thee. Wherefore do 
 Thou visit me often and instruct me in 
 Thy holy discipline. 
 
 Ij REE me from evil passions and cure 
 my heart of all disorderly affections; 
 so that inwardly healed and well purified, 
 I may become apt to love, courageous to 
 suffer, and steadfast to persevere. 
 
 MY God, my Love, Thou art all 
 mine, and I am all Thine. 
 
 ENLARGE Thou me in love, that I 
 may learn to taste with the interior 
 
12 JWomenta toitf) tfje Consolins; Cjmat 
 
 mouth of the heart how sweet it is to 
 love, and to be dissolved, and to bathe 
 in love. 
 
 JLjET me be possessed by love, mount- 
 ing up above myself through excess of 
 fervor and ecstasy. 
 
 1_jET me sing the canticle of love, let 
 me follow Thee, my Beloved, on high, 
 let my soul quite lose herself in Thy 
 praises, jubilant in Thy love. 
 
 JLjET me love Thee more than myself, 
 and myself only for Thee, and all others 
 in Thee, who truly love Thee, as the law 
 of love commandeth, which shineth forth 
 from Thee. 
 
CJjrtet out pie&ge of (Brace 
 
 If I have found favour in Thy sight, 
 show me Thy Face, that I may know 
 Thee, and may find grace before Thy 
 eyes. — Ex. 33 : 13. 
 
 i 
 
 WILL speak to my Lord, whereas I 
 am dust and ashes. 
 
 IF I repute myself greater than this, 
 behold, Thou standest against me; and 
 my sins bear a true testimony, and I 
 cannot contradict it. 
 
 OUT if I abase myself, and bring my- 
 self down to very nothingness, and 
 divest myself of all self-esteem, and 
 reduce myself, as I really am, to mere 
 dust, Thy grace will be favorable to me, 
 and Thy light will draw nigh to my 
 heart; and all self-estimation, how small 
 soever, will be sunk in the depth of my 
 own nothingness, and there lose itself 
 forever. 
 
 13 
 
14 ^amenta tottj) t^e Consoling; Clmst 
 
 IT is there Thou showest me to myself, 
 what I am, what I have been, and to 
 what I am come; for I am nothing, and 
 I knew it not. 
 
 IF I am left to myself, behold, I am 
 nothing, and all weakness; but if Thou 
 suddenly look upon me, I presently 
 become strong, and am replenished with 
 new joy. 
 
 i\ND truly wonderful it is that I am 
 so quickly raised up and so graciously 
 embraced by Thee; I who, by my own 
 weight, am always sinking down to the 
 lowest depths. 
 
 IT is Thy love that effects this, gratui- 
 tously preventing and assisting me in 
 so many necessities, preserving me also 
 from grievous dangers, and, as I may 
 truly say, rescuing me from innumerable 
 evils. 
 
 F OR by a perverse loving of myself, I 
 have lost myself; and by seeking Thee 
 
C&rtat our JJlettffe of (3vut 15 
 
 alone, and purely loving Thee, I have 
 found both myself and Thee; and by 
 this love have more profoundly anni- 
 hilated myself. 
 
 BECAUSE Thou, most sweet Lord, 
 dost deal with me above all desert, and 
 above all that I dare hope or ask for. 
 
 BLESSED be Thou, my God; for 
 though I am unworthy of all good, yet 
 Thy generosity and infinite goodness 
 never cease to do good even to those who 
 are ungrateful, and that are turned far 
 away from Thee. 
 
 L/H, convert us unto Thee, that we 
 may be humble, thankful, and devout; 
 for Thou art our salvation, our courage, 
 and our strength. 
 
Cfirtet out jatbmt Wt&itt 
 
 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 
 if you find my Beloved, that you tell Him 
 that I languish with love. — Cant. 5 : 8. 
 
 iNOW I will speak again, Lord, and 
 will not be silent; I will say in the hear- 
 ing of my God and my King who is on 
 high: 
 
 vJH, how great is the abundance of 
 Thy sweetness, Lord, which Thou 
 hast hidden for those that fear Thee! 
 
 BlJT what art Thou to those that 
 love Thee? What to those that serve 
 Thee with their whole heart? 
 
 UNSPEAKABLE, indeed, is the sweet- 
 ness of Thy contemplation, which Thou 
 bestowest on those that love Thee. 
 
 IN this most of all hast Thou shown 
 
 me the sweetness of Thy love, that when 
 
 16 
 
C&rist ottr Slrtent SDemre 17 
 
 I had no being, Thou didst make me: 
 and when I was straying far from Thee, 
 Thou hast brought me back again, that 
 I might serve Thee; and Thou hast 
 commanded me to love Thee. 
 « 
 
 FOUNTAIN of everlasting love, 
 what shall I say of Thee? 
 
 _H_OW can I ever forget Thee, who hast 
 vouchsafed to remember me even after 
 that I was corrupted and was lost? 
 
 BEYOND all hope hast Thou shown 
 mercy to Thy servant; and beyond all 
 desert hast Thou manifested Thy grace 
 and friendship. 
 
 WHAT return shall I make to Thee 
 for this favor? for it is not granted to all 
 to forsake all things, to renounce the 
 world, and to assume the monastic life. 
 
 i 
 
 S it much that I should serve Thee, 
 whom the whole creation is bound to 
 serve? 
 
18 iWcmentfii tottj) tit Conaolinff Cfcriat 
 
 IT ought not to seem much to me to 
 serve Thee; but this rather doth appear 
 great and wonderful to me, that Thou 
 vouchsafest to receive one so wretched 
 and unworthy for Thy servant, and to 
 unite Him to Thy Beloved. 
 
 BEHOLD all things are Thine which 
 I have, and with which I serve Thee. 
 
 A 
 
 ND yet contrariwise Thou rather 
 servest me than I Thee. 
 
 J_jO! heaven and earth, which Thou 
 hast created for the service of man, stand 
 prepared, and daily perform whatsoever 
 Thou hast commanded. 
 
 AND this is but little; for Thou hast 
 also created and appointed angels for 
 the service of man. 
 
 XjUT what transcendeth all this is, 
 that Thou Thyself hast vouchsafed to 
 
C&rtat ottr artrent TDtnivt 19 
 
 serve man, and hast promised that Thou 
 wilt give him Thyself. 
 
 WllAT shall I give Thee for all these 
 thousand favors? Would that I could 
 serve Thee all the days of my life! 
 
 W OULD that I were able, were it but 
 for one day, to render Thee worthy 
 homage! 
 
 VERILY Thou art worthy of all 
 service, all honor, and of eternal praise. 
 
 1 HOU art truly my Lord, and I am 
 Thy poor servant, who am bound with 
 all strength to serve Thee, and ought 
 never to grow weary of praising Thee. 
 
 1 HIS is my will, this is my desire ; 
 and whatever is wanting in me do Thou 
 vouchsafe to supply. 
 
 IT is a great honor, a great glory, to 
 serve Thee, and to despise all things for 
 Thee. 
 
20 JHomenta toity tlje Consoling Cbrtet 
 
 _T OR they who willingly subject them- 
 selves to Thy most holy service shall 
 have great grace. 
 
 JL HEY shall experience the most sweet 
 consolation of the Holy Spirit, who for 
 the love of Thee have cast away all 
 carnal delight. 
 
 1 HEY shall gain great freedom of 
 mind, who for Thy name enter upon the 
 narrow way, and relinquish all worldly 
 care. 
 
 JLjORD, I willingly commit all things 
 to Thee, for my care can profit little. 
 
 1 WISH I was not too much set upon 
 future events, but offered myself with all 
 readiness to Thy divine pleasure. 
 
CSrtjSt our Infallible ^tutfi 
 
 Love ye Truth. — Za. 8 : 19 
 
 \J LORD God, patience, I perceive, is 
 very necessary for me, for many adverse 
 things happen to us in this life. 
 
 F OR in whatsoever way I may arrange 
 for my peace, my life cannot be without 
 war and sorrow. 
 
 1 HOU thunderest forth over my head 
 Thy judgments, Lord, and Thou 
 shakest all my bones with fear and 
 trembling, and my soul is terrified 
 exceedingly. 
 
 1 STAND astonished, and consider 
 that the heavens are not pure in Thy 
 sight. 
 
 IF in the angels Thou has found de- 
 pravity, and hast not spared them, what 
 will become of me? 
 
 21 
 
OTARS have fallen from heaven, and 
 I, dust that I am, how can I presume? 
 
 1 HEY whose works seemed praise- 
 worthy have fallen to the very lowest; 
 and those that did eat the bread of 
 angels I have seen delighted with the 
 husks of swine. 
 
 1 HERE is then no sanctity, if Thou, 
 Lord, withdraw Thy hand. 
 
 l\]0 wisdom avails, if Thou cease to 
 govern us. 
 
 i\|0 strength is of any help, if Thou 
 cease to preserve us. 
 
 1\|0 chastity is secure without Thy 
 protection. 
 
 i\lO self-custody profits us, if Thy 
 holy vigilance be not nigh unto us. 
 
Christ our infallible QLxutb 23 
 
 _T OR left to ourselves, we sink and 
 perish; but by Thee visited, we are 
 raised up and live. 
 
 F OR we are unsteadfast, but by Thee 
 we are strengthened: we are tepid, but 
 by Thee inflamed. 
 
 vJH, how profoundly ought I to abase 
 myself, under Thy unfathomable judg- 
 ments, Lord, where I find myself to 
 be nothing else but nothing, and alto- 
 gether nothing! 
 
 WH, how humbly and lowly ought I to 
 think of myself; of how little worth, 
 whatever good I may seem to have! 
 
 
 
 WEIGHT immense! sea that 
 cannot be passed over, where I find 
 nothing of myself but only and wholly 
 nothing! 
 
 WHERE, then, is there any lurking- 
 place for glorying? Where any con- 
 fidence conceived of my own virtue? 
 
24 JHomente tottj) fyt Consoling C&rtst 
 
 ALL vainglory is swallowed up in the 
 profundity of Thy judgments over me. 
 
 WHAT is all flesh in Thy sight? 
 
 QHALL clay glory against Him that 
 formed it? 
 
 1J-OW can he be puffed up with vain 
 talk whose heart is subjected to God in 
 truth? 
 
 i\LL the world will not lift him up 
 whom truth hath subjected to itself. 
 
 NEITHER will he be moved with the 
 tongues of all that praise him, who hath 
 settled his whole hope in God. 
 
 F OR even they who speak, behold, 
 they are all nothing, for they shall pass 
 away with the sound of their words; 
 but the truth of the Lord remaineth for 
 ever. 
 
C&ttet our jfftm Conffoenct 
 
 For it is good for me to adhere to my 
 God, to put my hope in the Lord God. 
 
 — Ps. 72:28. 
 
 J_jORD, if it be pleasing to Thee, so 
 let it be. 
 
 LORD, if it be to Thy honor, let this 
 be done in Thy name. 
 
 JLjORD, if Thou seest that this is ex- 
 pedient, and approvest it as profitable 
 for me, then grant that I may use it to 
 Thy honor. 
 
 BUT if Thou knowest that it will be 
 hurtful to me, and not profitable for the 
 salvation of my soul, take away from me 
 such a desire. 
 
 JT OR not every desire is from the 
 Holy Ghost, though to man it may seem 
 right and good. 
 
 25 
 
26 jftoments toitj) t&e Conaoiinff C&rtet 
 
 JuORD, Thou knowest what is best; 
 let this or that be done as Thou wilt. 
 
 IjrIVE what Thou wilt, and as much as 
 Thou wilt, and at what time Thou wilt. 
 
 J_JO with me as Thou knowest, and as 
 best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy 
 honor. 
 
 Jr UT me where Thou wilt, and do with 
 me in all things according to Thy will. 
 
 1 AM in Thy hand; turn me hither 
 and thither as Thou choosest. 
 
 IjO, I am Thy servant, ready to obey 
 Thee in all things; for I do not desire 
 to live for myself, but for Thee; oh, 
 that I could do so in a worthy and 
 perfect manner! 
 
Cfittet out flDnlg Wit0t 
 
 This is my rest forever and ever: Here 
 will I dwell, for I have chosen it. 
 — Ps. 131 : U. 
 
 Gi 
 
 rRANT me Thy grace, most merciful 
 Jesus, that it may be with me, and labor 
 with me, and continue with me unto the 
 end. 
 
 VJrRANT me always to will and desire 
 that which is most acceptable to Thee, 
 and which pleaseth Thee best. 
 
 JLiET Thy will be mine, and let my will 
 always follow Thine, and agree perfectly 
 with it. 
 
 J_jET me always will or not will the 
 same with Thee; and let me not be able 
 to will or not to will otherwise than as 
 Thou wiliest or wiliest not. 
 
 GrRANT that I may die to all things 
 that are in the world, and for Thy sake 
 
 27 
 
28 Jftomenta tottf) tfce Conaottna C&rtat 
 
 love to be despised, and to be unknown 
 to this world. 
 
 GRANT that I may rest in Thee 
 above all things desired, and that my 
 heart may be at peace in Thee. 
 
 A HOU art the true peace of the heart; 
 Thou art its only rest; out of Thee all 
 things are hard and restless. 
 
 IN this peace, in the self-same, that is 
 in Thee, the one sovereign eternal good, 
 I will sleep and take my rest. 
 
 J3E with me, Lord Jesus, in all 
 places and at all times. 
 
 JUET this be my consolation, to be 
 freely willing to forego all human com- 
 fort. 
 
 i\ND if Thy comfort be withdrawn, 
 let Thy will and just trial be to me as 
 the greatest of comforts. 
 
Christ out ©nip Refit 29 
 
 _T OR Thou wilt not always be angry, 
 nor wilt Thou threaten forever. 
 
 IjORD, what Thou say est is true. 
 Greater is Thy care for me than all the 
 care I can take of myself. 
 
 _T OR at too great a hazard doth he 
 stand who casteth not his whole care on 
 Thee. 
 
 J_jORD, provided that my will remain 
 true and firm towards Thee, do with me 
 whatsoever it shall please Thee. 
 
 F OR it cannot but be good, whatever 
 Thou shalt do with me. 
 
 i 
 
 F Thou wilt have me to be in dark- 
 ness, be Thou blessed; and if Thou wilt 
 have me to be in light, be Thou again 
 blessed; if Thou vouchsafe to comfort 
 me, be Thou blessed; and if it be Thy 
 will I should be afflicted, be Thou still 
 equally blessed. 
 
30 JHomenta tott& fyt Consnltns Cfortet 
 
 JLiORD, I will suffer willingly for Thee 
 whatsoever Thou art pleased should 
 befall me. 
 
 1 AM willing indifferently to receive 
 from Thy hand good and evil, sweet and 
 bitter, joy and sorrow, and to give Thee 
 thanks for all that happeneth to me. 
 
 JV.EEP me from all sin, and I will fear 
 neither death nor hell. 
 
 s 
 
 k50 that Thou cast me not off forever, 
 nor blot me out of the book of life, what 
 tribulation soever befalleth me shall not 
 hurt me. 
 
C&ttet our dBIottottgf (Kiample 
 
 As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the 
 king liveth; in what place soever thou 
 shalt be, my lord king, either in death 
 or in life, there will thy servant be. 
 — 2 Kings 15 : 21. 
 
 JLjORD, because Thou wast patient in 
 Thy life-time, herein especially fulfilling 
 the commandment of Thy Father, it is 
 fitting that I, a wretched sinner, should, 
 according to Thy will, bear myself 
 patiently, and, as long as Thou pleasest, 
 support the burden of this corruptible 
 life, in order to my salvation. 
 
 _T OR though this present life is felt 
 to be burdensome, yet it is now rendered, 
 through Thy grace, very meritorious; 
 and by Thy example and the footsteps of 
 Thy Saints, more bright and supportable 
 to the weak. 
 
 IT is also much more full of consolation 
 
 than it was formerly under the law, when 
 
 31 
 
32 Jflomenta toitj t^e Condoling: C&riat 
 
 the gate of heaven remained shut; and 
 even the way to heaven seemed more 
 obscure, when so few concerned them- 
 selves to seek the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 MOREOVER, too, they who were 
 then just, and to be saved, could not 
 enter into Thy heavenly kingdom before 
 Thy Passion, and the payment of our 
 debt by Thy sacred death. 
 
 vJH, what great thanks am I bound to 
 render unto Thee, for having vouchsafed 
 to show me and all the faithful a right 
 and good way to Thine everlasting 
 kingdom! 
 
 JT OR Thy life is our way; and by holy 
 patience we walk on to Thee, who art 
 our crown. 
 
 IF Thou hadst not gone before and 
 instructed us, who would have cared to 
 follow? 
 
 ALAS, how many would have stayed 
 afar off and a great way behind, had 
 
C&rtat ottr (glorious ©sample 33 
 
 they not before their eyes Thy glorious 
 example! 
 
 IJEHOLD we are still tepid, notwith- 
 standing all Thy miracles and instruc- 
 tions we have heard; what, then, would 
 it be if we had not so great light to 
 follow Thee? 
 
Cfjtisft our place of &tmtgtfi 
 
 Be Thou unto me a God, a protector 
 and a place of strength: That Thou 
 mayest make me safe. — Ps. 70 : 3. 
 
 1 WILL confess against myself my 
 injustice; I will confess to Thee, 
 Lord, my infirmity. 
 
 IT is oftentimes a small thing which 
 casteth me down and troubleth me. 
 
 I PURPOSE to behave myself valiantly; 
 but when a small temptation cometh, I 
 am brought into great straits. 
 
 IT is sometimes a very trifling thing 
 whence a grievous temptation pro- 
 ceedeth. 
 
 i\_ND when I think myself somewhat 
 safe, when I least apprehend it, I find 
 myself sometimes almost overcome by a 
 light blast. 
 
 34 
 
Christ ant pace of Strenfftf) 35 
 
 JDEHOLD, then, Lord, my abjection 
 and frailty, every way known to Thee. 
 
 XXAVE pity on me, and draw me out 
 of the mire, that I stick not fast therein, 
 that I may not be utterly cast down 
 forever. 
 
 1 HIS it is which often drives me back, 
 and confounds me in Thy sight, that I 
 am so subject to fall, and so powerless to 
 resist my passions. 
 
 i\ND although I do not altogether 
 consent, yet their assaults are trouble- 
 some and grievous to me; and I am 
 weary of thus always living in conflict. 
 
 1TENCE my infirmity is made known 
 to me; because abominable imaginations 
 much more easily rush in upon me than 
 they forsake me. 
 
 UK, that Thou, the most mighty God 
 of Israel, zealous Lover of faithful souls, 
 
36 JHomenta toiib t&e Confiolitiff C&tist 
 
 wouldst regard the labor and sorrow of 
 Thy servant, and stand by him in all his 
 undertakings! 
 
 STRENGTHEN me with heavenly 
 fortitude, lest the old man, the miserable 
 flesh not fully subdued to the spirit, pre- 
 vail and get the upper hand; against 
 which we must battle so long as we 
 breathe in this most wretched life. 
 
C&ttgt out anchor at ^ope 
 
 I cried unto Thee, O Lord, and said: 
 Thou art my hope, my portion in the 
 land of the living. — Ps. 1U1 : 6. 
 
 ABOVE all things, and in all things, 
 do thou, my soul, rest always in the Lord, 
 for He is the eternal rest of the saints. 
 
 IjrIVE me, most sweet and loving 
 Jesus, to repose in Thee above all things 
 created: above all health and beauty; 
 above all glory and honor; above all 
 power and dignity; above all knowledge 
 and subtlety; above all riches and arts; 
 above all joy and gladness; above all 
 fame and praise; above all sweetness 
 and consolation; above all hope and 
 promise; above all merit and desire; 
 above all gifts and presents that Thou 
 canst give and infuse; above all joy and 
 jubilation that the mind can contain or 
 feel; in fine, above all angels and arch- 
 angels, and all the host of heaven; above 
 37 
 
38 JHomenta tottf) t|)e Confiiolinff Cfcrtet 
 
 all things visible and invisible; and 
 above all that is not Thee, my God; 
 for Thou, my God, art supremely good 
 above all things. 
 
 1HOU alone art high; Thou alone 
 most powerful; Thou alone most full 
 and most sufficient; Thou alone most 
 sweet and most full of consolation. 
 
 JL HOU alone most beautiful and most 
 loving; Thou alone most noble and most 
 glorious above all things; in whom are all 
 that are both good and perfect, and 
 always have been and always will be. 
 
 AND therefore all is too little and 
 insufficient, whatever Thou bestowest 
 upon me, that is not Thyself; and 
 whatever Thou revealest to me con- 
 cerning Thyself, or promisest, as long as 
 I see Thee not, nor fully possess Thee; 
 because indeed my heart cannot truly 
 rest, nor be entirely contented, till it 
 rest in Thee, and transcend every gift 
 and every creature. 
 
C&rtst ottr ancljor of $>ope 39 
 
 vJ MY most beloved Spouse, Christ 
 Jesus, most pure Lover, Lord of the 
 whole creation! who will give me the 
 wings of true liberty, to fly and repose in 
 Thee? 
 
 L/H, when shall it be fully granted me 
 to be free, and to see how sweet Thou 
 art, Lord my God? 
 
 WHEN shall I fully collect myself in 
 Thee, that through Thy love I may not 
 feel myself, but Thee alone, above all 
 feeling and measure, in a manner not 
 known to all? 
 
 _DUT now I often lament, and bear 
 with grief, my unhappiness. 
 
 JDECAUSE many evils happen in this 
 vale of miseries, which frequently disturb 
 me, afflict me, and cast a cloud over me; 
 often do they hinder and distract me, 
 allure and entangle me, so that I can 
 neither have free access to Thee, nor 
 enjoy Thy sweet embraces, which are 
 ever present to blessed spirits. 
 
40 JWomentd toitl) ti)t Consoling; C&tist 
 
 vJH, let my sighs move Thee, and this 
 my manifold desolation upon earth. 
 
 \J JESUS, Brightness of eternal glory, 
 the Comfort of the pilgrim souls, with 
 Thee is my mouth without voice, and 
 my silence speaketh to Thee. 
 
 XxOW long doth my Lord delay to 
 come? Let Him come to me, His poor 
 servant, and make me joyful. Let Him 
 stretch forth His hand y and deliver me, 
 wretched, from all anguish. 
 
 vjOME, oh, come, for without Thee I 
 can never have one joyful day nor hour; 
 for Thou art my joy, and without Thee 
 my table is empty. 
 
 1 AM miserable, and in a manner im- 
 prisoned, and weighed down with fetters, 
 till, with the light of Thy presence, 
 Thou comfortest me, givest me liberty 
 and showest me Thy friendly counte- 
 nance. 
 
C&rifiit our ancfjor of 5>ope 41 
 
 JljET others seek, instead of Thee, 
 whatever else they please; nothing else 
 meanwhile doth or shall please me, but 
 Thou, my God, my hope, my eternal 
 salvation. 
 
 1 WILL not hold my peace, nor will I 
 cease to pray, till Thy grace return, and 
 Thou say est interiorly to me: Behold, 
 here I am; behold, I come to thee, 
 because thou hast called Me. 
 
 1 HY tears, and the desire of thy soul, 
 thy humiliation and contrition of heart, 
 have inclined and brought Me to thee. 
 
 AND I said, Lord, I have called 
 upon Thee, and have desired to enjoy 
 Thee, and am prepared to reject all 
 things for Thy sake. 
 
 F OR Thou didst first stir me up, that 
 I should seek Thee. Be Thou therefore 
 blessed, Lord, who hath showed this 
 goodness to Thy servant, according to 
 the multitude of Thy mercies. 
 
42 ^omenta tottl) t&e Conaoiins Cfcruit 
 
 WHAT more hath Thy servant to 
 say in Thy presence, but to humble him- 
 self exceedingly before Thee, mindful 
 always of his own iniquity and vileness? 
 
 Jr OR there is none like to Thee amongst 
 all the wonders of heaven and earth. 
 
 1 HY works are exceedingly good, Thy 
 judgments true, and by Thy providence 
 the universe is ruled. 
 
 i RAISE, therefore, and glory be to 
 Thee, Wisdom of the Father; let my 
 tongue, my soul, and all things created, 
 join in praising and blessing Thee. 
 
C&ttet our ^ttgt 3Uto 
 
 My son, forget not My law, and let thy 
 heart keep My commandments. 
 
 — Prov. 3:1. 
 
 o 
 
 PEN, Lord, my heart, in Thy law, 
 and teach me to walk in Thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 Gi 
 
 rIVE me grace to understand Thy 
 will, and to commemorate, with great 
 reverence and diligent consideration, all 
 Thy benefits, as well in general as in 
 particular, so that henceforward I may 
 be able worthily to return thanks for 
 them. 
 
 1 KNOW and confess, indeed, that I 
 am not able to return Thee due thanks 
 of praise, not even for the least. 
 
 1 AM less than any of Thy benefits 
 bestowed upon me; and when I consider 
 Thy excellency, my spirit fainteth before 
 the greatness thereof. 
 43 
 
44 JKoments tottlj tlje Condoling: Cfcrtet 
 
 i\.LL things that we have in soul and 
 body, and whatsoever outwardly and 
 inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, 
 we possess, are Thy benefits, and cele- 
 brate Thy bounty, mercy, and goodness, 
 from whom we have received all good. 
 
 ALTHOUGH one hath received more, 
 another less, yet all are Thine, and 
 without Thee even the least cannot be 
 had. 
 
 JLlE who hath received greater things, 
 cannot glory of his own merit, nor extol 
 himself above others, nor exult over the 
 lesser; because he is indeed greater and 
 better, who attributeth less to himself, 
 and is more humble and devout in return- 
 ing thanks. 
 
 iVND he who esteemeth himself the 
 vilest of all men, and judgeth himself 
 the most unworthy, is fitted to receive 
 still greater blessings. 
 
 J3UT he who hath received fewer ought 
 not to be saddened, nor take it ill, nor 
 
Cbrtat our ^ttat Lata 45 
 
 envy him that is more enriched; but 
 attend rather to Thee, and very much 
 praise Thy goodness, for that Thou 
 bestowest Thy gifts so plentifully, so 
 freely and willingly, without acceptance 
 of persons. 
 
 i\LL things are from Thee, and there- 
 fore Thou art to be praised in all. 
 
 JL HOU knowest what is expedient to 
 be given to each; and why this one hath 
 less, and the other more, is not ours to 
 decide, but Thine, with whom are 
 determined the merits of each. 
 
 WHEREFORE, Lord God, I deem 
 it a great benefit not to have much 
 which outwardly and according to men 
 might appear praiseworthy and glorious; 
 for Thou, God, hast chosen the poor 
 and the humble, and those that are 
 despised by this world, for Thy familiar 
 friends and domestics. 
 
 1 HE Apostles themselves are witnesses, 
 whom Thou hast appointed rulers over 
 the whole earth. 
 
46 JRomente tottl) tfte Conisalinff Christ 
 
 AND yet they lived in this world 
 without complaint, so humble and simple 
 without any malice or guile, that they 
 even rejoiced to suffer reproaches for 
 Thy name; and what things the world 
 flies from, those they embraced with 
 great affection. 
 
 NOTHING, therefore, ought to give 
 so great a joy to one that loveth Thee 
 and knoweth Thy benefits, as the accom- 
 plishment of Thy will in himself, and the 
 good pleasure of Thy eternal appoint- 
 ment. 
 
 WlTH which He ought to be so far 
 contented and comforted as to be as 
 willing to be the least as any one would 
 wish to be the greatest; to enjoy as much 
 peace and content in the lowest place as 
 in the highest; and to be as willing to 
 be despicable and mean and of no name 
 and repute, as to be more honorable and 
 of greater rank in the world than others. 
 
 FOR Thy will and the love of Thy 
 honor ought to take precedence of all 
 
C&risit our 3C ttdt iato 47 
 
 things, and to comfort and please one 
 more than any benefits whatsoever which 
 have been or can be given. 
 
 JLSUT Thou, Lord, who canst do all 
 things, and always lovest the profit of 
 the soul, increase in me a greater grace, 
 that I may fulfill this Thy work, and 
 accomplish my salvation. 
 
Cfjrtet our JLMn$ Wiav 
 
 Lead me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I 
 
 will walk in Thy truth; let my heart 
 
 rejoice that it may fear Thy name. 
 
 — Ps. 85:11. 
 
 \J LORD, my God, depart not far 
 from me; my God, have regard to 
 help me; for divers evil thoughts have 
 risen up against me, and great fears 
 afflict my soul. 
 
 XlOW shall I pass without hurt? 
 How shall I break through them? 
 
 IjET all wicked thoughts, Lord, fly 
 from before Thy face. 
 
 1 HIS is my hope and my only comfort, 
 to fly to Thee in all tribulations, to con- 
 fide in Thee, to call on Thee from my 
 inmost heart, and patiently to look for 
 Thy consolation. 
 
 48 
 
C&riat our itotna; Wz? 49 
 
 IVlAY Thy grace, Lord, make that 
 possible to me, which seems impossible 
 to me by nature. 
 
 1 HOU knowest that I can bear but 
 little, and that I am quickly cast down by 
 a small adversity. 
 
 J_jET all exercises of tribulation become 
 lovely and most desirable to me, for Thy 
 name's sake: for to suffer and to be 
 afflicted for Thee is very healthful for 
 my soul. 
 
Cfitigt out Jttnt ailing 3Li£f)t 
 
 In Thy light we shall see light. 
 
 — Ps.35:10. 
 
 Enlighten me, o good Jesus, with 
 
 the brightness of internal light, and cast 
 out all darkness from the dwelling of my 
 heart. 
 
 JLVESTRAIN my many wandering 
 thoughts, and destroy the temptations 
 that violently assault me. 
 
 JT IGHT strongly for me, and overcome 
 these wicked beasts, these alluring con- 
 cupiscences, that peace may be made in 
 Thy power, and the abundance of Thy 
 praise may resound in Thy holy court, 
 that is, a clean conscience. 
 
 COMMAND the winds and storms; 
 say to the sea: Be still; to the north 
 wind, Blow thou not; and there shall be 
 a great calm. 
 
 50 
 
C&ttet our Unfailing: Lifffct 51 
 
 SEND forth Thy light and Thy truth, 
 that they may shine upon the earth; 
 for I am an earth that is empty and void, 
 till Thou enlightenest me. 
 
 Jl OUR forth Thy grace from above; 
 water my heart with the dew of heaven; 
 supply fresh waters of devotion, to wash 
 the face of the earth, to bring forth good 
 and perfect fruit. 
 
 JLilFT up my mind, oppressed with the 
 load of sins, and raise my whole desire 
 towards heavenly things; that having 
 tasted the sweetness of supernal happi- 
 ness, I may have no pleasure in thinking 
 of the things of earth. 
 
 lJRAW me away, and deliver me from 
 all unstable comfort of creatures; for 
 no created thing can fully quiet and 
 satisfy my desire. 
 
 J OIN me to Thyself by an inseparable 
 bond of love; for Thou alone art suffi- 
 cient for the soul that loveth Thee, and 
 without Thee all other things are 
 frivolous. 
 
C&ttet out jfattfrful (Buttie 
 
 I will give thee understanding and I 
 
 will instruct thee in the way thou shalt 
 
 go; I will fix mine eyes upon thee. 
 
 — Ps. 31 : 8. 
 
 JLjORD, this is the work of a perfect 
 man, never to let the mind slacken from 
 attending to heavenly things, and to pass 
 through many cares, as it were without 
 care; not after the manner of an indolent 
 person, but by a certain prerogative of a 
 free mind, not cleaving with an inordi- 
 nate affection to anything created. 
 
 PRESERVE me, I beseech Thee, 
 my most merciful Lord, from the cares 
 of this life, that I be not too much 
 entangled by them; from the many 
 necessities of the body, that I be not 
 ensnared by pleasure; and from all 
 hindrances of the soul, lest, being over- 
 come by troubles, I be quite cast down. 
 
 1 DO not say from those things which 
 
 worldly vanity covets with so much 
 
 52 
 
CJmat our jFatt&M (Buittz 53 
 
 eagerness; but from those miseries, 
 which, by the general curse of our mor- 
 tality, as punishments, weigh down and 
 keep back the soul of Thy servant from 
 being able, when it will, to enter into 
 liberty of spirit. 
 
 \J MY God, who art unspeakable 
 sweetness, make me look upon as bitter, 
 all carnal comfort which withdraws me 
 from the love of things eternal, and 
 wickedly allures me to itself, by setting 
 before me a certain present delightful 
 good. 
 
 MY God, let not flesh and blood 
 prevail over me; let it not overcome me; 
 let not the world and its transitory glory 
 deceive me; let not the devil supplant 
 me by his craftiness. 
 
 vJTlVE me courage to resist, patience 
 to endure, and constancy to persevere. 
 
 vJlVE me, instead of all worldly con- 
 solation, the most sweet unction of Thy 
 
54 ^omenta toitfc tj)e Consalinff Christ 
 
 spirit; and instead of carnal love, infuse 
 into me the love of Thy name. 
 
 JDEHOLD, eating, drinking, clothing, 
 and other necessaries pertaining to the 
 support of the body, are burdensome to 
 a fervent spirit. 
 
 VJrRANT that I may use such things 
 with moderation, and not be entangled 
 with any inordinate affection. 
 
 IT is not lawful to cast them all away, 
 for nature must be supported; but to 
 require superfluities, and such things as 
 are most delightful, Thy holy law for- 
 bids; for otherwise the flesh would grow 
 insolent against the spirit. 
 
 IN all this I beseech Thee let Thy hand 
 govern and direct me, that I may in no 
 way exceed. 
 
C&tfet out lijfo&m flflitebom 
 
 And God hath given to me to speak as 
 I would, and to conceive thoughts 
 worthy of those things that are given 
 me; because He is the guide of wisdom, 
 and the director of the wise. 
 
 — Wis. 7: 15. 
 
 G 
 
 ONFIRM me, God, by the grace 
 of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant me power to 
 be strengthened in the inward man, 
 and to cast out of my heart all unprofit- 
 able care and trouble. Let me not be 
 drawn away with various desires of any 
 thing whatsoever, whether it be of little 
 or great value; but teach me to look 
 upon all things as passing away, and 
 myself as passing along with them. 
 
 Jr OR nothing is lasting under the sun, 
 where all is vanity and affliction of spirit. 
 Oh, how wise is he who considers things 
 in this manner! 
 
 Gi 
 
 rRANT me, Lord, heavenly wis- 
 dom, that I may learn above all things 
 55 
 
56 Jlomentg toify fyt Consoling Christ 
 
 to seek Thee, and to find Thee; above all 
 things to relish Thee and to love Thee; 
 and to understand all other things as 
 they are, according to the order of Thy 
 wisdom. 
 
 vjrRANT that I may prudently avoid 
 him that flattereth me, and patiently 
 bear with him that contradicteth me. 
 
 F OR it is great wisdom not to be moved 
 with every kind of words, nor to give ear 
 to the wicked flattering siren; for thus 
 shall we go on securely in the way we 
 have begun. 
 
C&rist out S^erctful SDdttatet 
 
 Keep Thou my soul, and deliver 
 me. — Ps. 24 ; 20. 
 
 BLESSED, Lord, be Thy name 
 forever, who hast been pleased that this 
 trial and tribulation should come upon 
 me. 
 
 1 CANNOT escape it, but must of 
 necessity fly to Thee; that Thou may est 
 help me, and turn it to my good. 
 
 JLiORD, I am now in tribulation, and 
 my heart is not at ease; but I am much 
 afflicted with my present suffering. 
 
 AND now, beloved Father, what shall 
 I say? I am taken, Lord, in these 
 straits; Oh, save me from this hour! 
 
 -DUT for this reason I came unto this 
 hour, that Thou mightest be glorified, 
 
 57 
 
58 Jftomente tottf) tjje Conjoints Christ 
 
 when I shall be exceedingly humbled, 
 and delivered by Thee. 
 
 MAY it please Thee, Lord, to de- 
 liver me; for, poor wretch that I am, 
 what can I do, and whither shall I go 
 without Thee? 
 
 (jrlVE me patience, Lord, at this 
 time also. 
 
 JJLELP me, my God, and I will not 
 fear how much soever I may be oppressed. 
 
 AND now in the midst of these things, 
 what shall I say? Lord, Thy will be 
 done; I have well deserved to be afflicted 
 and troubled. 
 
 1 MUST needs bear it, and would 
 that it were with patience, till the storm 
 pass over, and it grow better. 
 
 J3UT Thy Almighty hand is able to 
 take away from me this temptation also, 
 
C&rtat ottr ^jHercifttl SDeltoerer 59 
 
 and to moderate its violence, as Thou 
 hast often done heretofore for me, lest 
 I quite sink under it, my God, my 
 mercy ! 
 
 AND how much the more difficult this 
 is to me, so much the easier to Thee is 
 this change of the right hand of the Most 
 High. 
 
 IjORD, I stand much in need of a 
 grace yet greater, if I must arrive so far 
 that it may not be in the power of any 
 man nor any thing created to hinder me. 
 
 JT OR as long as any thing holds me 
 back, I cannot freely fly to Thee. 
 
 llE was desirous to fly freely to Thee 
 who said: Who will give me wings like a 
 dove, and I will fly and be at rest? 
 
Cljttet out Strong ^Defence 
 
 Take up Thy arms and buckler, arise 
 to help me. Say to my soul, I am thy 
 Saviour. — Ps. 3h : 2-3. 
 
 BEHOLD, my God and my all! What 
 would I more, and what greater happiness 
 can I desire? 
 
 SWEET and savory Word! but to 
 him that loveth the Word, not the world 
 nor the things that are in the world. 
 
 My God and my all! To one that 
 understandeth sufficient is said; to one 
 that loveth, to repeat it often is delight- 
 ful. 
 
 F OR when Thou art present, all things 
 yield delight; but when Thou art absent, 
 all things are loathsome. 
 
 x HOU givest a tranquil heart, great 
 peace, and festive joy. 
 60 
 
C&tist our ^trona; defence 61 
 
 1 HOU makest us to think well of all 
 things, and praise Thee in all things, nor 
 can anything without Thee afford any 
 lasting pleasure; but to make it agree- 
 able and well-pleasing to us, Thy grace 
 must be present, and it must be seasoned 
 with the savor of Thy wisdom. 
 
 \J LIGHT eternal, transcending all 
 created lights, dart forth Thy light from 
 above, that it may penetrate all the secret 
 recesses of my heart. 
 
 v><LEANSE, cheer, enlighten, and en- 
 liven my spirit with its powers, that it 
 may be absorbed in Thee with ecstasies 
 of joy. 
 
 
 
 H, when will this blessed and de- 
 sirable hour come, when Thou shalt fill 
 me with Thy presence, and become to 
 me all in all? 
 
 !^0 long as this is not granted, my joy 
 will not be full. 
 
62 Jftoment* toitf) t|)e Conaoiinff C&tist 
 
 ixLAS, the old man is still living in 
 me; he is not wholly crucified, he is not 
 perfectly dead. 
 
 XlE still lusts strongly against the 
 spirit; he wages war within me, and 
 suffers not the kingdom of my soul to be 
 quiet. 
 
 JDUT Thou, who rulest over the power 
 of the sea, and stillest the motion of 
 its waves, arise and help me. 
 
 SCATTER Thou the nations that de- 
 light in wars; crush them by Thy power. 
 
 SHOW forth, I beseech Thee, Thy 
 wonderful works, and let Thy right hand 
 be glorified; for there is no hope nor 
 refuge for me but in Thee, Lord my 
 God. 
 
C&ttet our jFtttttte d&lotp 
 
 I will give glory to Thee because Thou 
 hast heard me; and art become my 
 salvation. — Ps. 117 : 21 
 
 JLjORD, what is man, that Thou art 
 mindful of him; or the son of man, that 
 Thou visitest him? 
 
 WHAT hath man deserved, that 
 Thou shouldst give him Thy grace? 
 
 LjORD, what cause have I to complain, 
 if Thou forsake me? or what can I justly 
 allege, if Thou refuse to grant my peti- 
 tion? 
 
 1 HIS, indeed, I may truly think and 
 say: Lord, I am nothing, I can do noth- 
 ing, I have nothing of myself that is 
 good; but I fail and am defective in all 
 things, and ever tend to nothing. 
 63 
 
64 foments toitfc tlje Consoling; Cfcrtet 
 
 AND unless I am supported and 
 interiorly instructed by Thee, I become 
 quite tepid and relaxed. 
 
 BUT Thou, Lord, art always the 
 same, and endurest forever; always good, 
 just and holy; doing all things well, 
 justly and holily; and disposing them in 
 wisdom. 
 
 JDUT I, who am more inclined to go 
 back than to go forward, continue not 
 always in one state; for seven different 
 times are changed over me. 
 
 jL ET it quickly becometh better when 
 it pleaseth Thee, and Thou stretchest 
 out Thy helping hand; for Thou alone, 
 without man's aid, canst assist and so 
 strengthen me, that my countenance 
 shall be no more changed, but my heart 
 shall be converted, and take its rest in 
 Thee alone. 
 
 Wherefore, if i did but well 
 
 know how to cast away from me all hu- 
 
Christ our jFutttve (Slorp 65 
 
 man comfort, either for the sake of 
 devotion, or through the necessity of 
 seeking Thee, because there is no man 
 that can comfort me, then might I justly 
 depend on Thy grace and rejoice in the 
 gift of new consolation. 
 
 1 HANKS be to Thee, from whom all 
 proceeds, as often as it goes well with 
 me. 
 
 1, INDEED, am but vanity, and noth- 
 ing in Thy sight; an inconstant and weak 
 man. 
 
 W HAT have I, then, to glory in? or 
 why do I desire to be esteemed? But 
 true glory and holy joy is to glory in 
 Thee, and not in one's self; to rejoice 
 in Thy name, and not to be delighted in 
 one's own virtue, nor in any creature, 
 save only for Thy sake. 
 
 IjET Thy name be praised, not mine; 
 let Thy work be extolled, not mine; let 
 Thy holy name be blessed, but to me let 
 
66 foments toitj) t&e Conaolina; C&ttet 
 
 nothing be attributed of the praises of 
 men. 
 
 1 HOU art my glory, Thou art the joy 
 of my heart. 
 
 ±N Thee will I glory, and rejoice all 
 the day; but for myself I will glory in 
 nothing but in my infirmities. 
 
 JLjET the Jews seek the glory which 
 one man receives from another: I will 
 seek that which is from God alone. 
 
 i\LL human glory, all temporal honor, 
 all worldly grandeur, compared to Thy 
 eternal glory, is but vanity and folly. 
 
 \J MY truth and my mercy! my God! 
 blessed Trinity! to Thee alone be all 
 praise, honor, power, and glory, for 
 endless ages of ages. 
 
C&ttet our %ttte jFtfend 
 
 Love Him, and keep Him for thy 
 Friend, who when all go away, will not 
 forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish 
 at the last. — X Kempis. 
 
 JLjORD, we are in blindness, and are 
 quickly seduced by vanity. If I look 
 well into myself, never was any injury 
 done me by any creature, and therefore 
 I cannot justly complain of Thee. 
 
 JDUT since I have often and grievously 
 sinned against Thee, every creature is 
 deservedly armed against me. 
 
 1 me therefore confusion and con- 
 tempt are justly due; but to Thee praise, 
 honor and glory. 
 
 i\'ND unless I put myself in this dis- 
 position, to be willing to be despised and 
 forsaken by all creatures, and to be 
 esteemed altogether nothing, I cannot 
 67 
 
68 foments tottl) tlje Consoling Cfottet 
 
 arrive at inward peace and strength, nor 
 be spiritually enlightened, nor fully united 
 to Thee. 
 
 GRANT me help, Lord, in my 
 tribulation, for vain is the aid of man. 
 
 XI OW often have I not found faithful- 
 ness there where I thought I might 
 depend upon it. 
 
 AND how often have I found it where 
 I did not expect it. 
 
 VAIN therefore is all hope in man; 
 but the safety of the just is in Thee, 
 Lord. 
 
 BLESSED be Thou, Lord my God, 
 in all things that befall us. 
 
 WE are weak and unsteadfast, we 
 are easily deceived and changed. 
 
 W HO is the man that is able to keep 
 himself so warily and so circumspectly 
 
CJjrifit our Crtte JFrientr 69 
 
 in all things, as not to fall sometimes into 
 delusion or perplexity? 
 
 OUT he that trusts in Thee, Lord, 
 and seeks Thee with a simple heart, does 
 not so easily fall. 
 
 AND if he falls into some tribulation, 
 in what manner soever he may be en- 
 tangled therewith, he will be quickly 
 rescued or comforted by Thee; for Thou 
 wilt not forsake forever him that trusts 
 in Thee. 
 
 A TRUSTY friend is rarely to be 
 found, that continues faithful in all the 
 distresses of his friend. 
 
 1 HOU, Lord, Thou alone art most 
 faithful in all things, and besides Thee, 
 there is no other such. 
 
 VjH, how wise was that holy soul that 
 said: My mind is strongly settled and 
 grounded upon Christ. 
 
70 foments tottj) t|)e Canaolinff C&tiat 
 
 IF it were so with me, the fear of man 
 would not so easily give me trouble, nor 
 flying words move me. 
 
 WHO can foresee all things, or who 
 is able to provide against future evils? 
 
 IF things foreseen do nevertheless often 
 hurt us, how can things unlooked for 
 fail to wound us grievously? 
 
 Jt)UT why did I not provide better for 
 myself, miserable wretch that I am? 
 Why also have I so easily placed confi- 
 dence in others? 
 
 J3UT we are men, and but frail men, 
 though by many we are reputed and 
 called angels. 
 
 IN whom shall I put 8 my trust, Lord, 
 in whom but Thee? Thou art the 
 Truth, which canst neither deceive nor 
 be deceived. 
 
Cjjrtet ottr STrtte jFrtentt 7l 
 
 i\ND on the other hand, every man is a 
 liar, weak, unstable, and subject to fail, 
 especially in words; so that we ought 
 not readily to believe even that which 
 in appearance seems to sound well. 
 
 ixOW wisely dost thou forewarn us to 
 take heed of men, and that a man's 
 enemies are those of his own household, 
 and that we are not to believe, if any 
 one should say: Behold here, or behold 
 there. 
 
 1 HAVE been taught to my cost, and 
 I wish it may serve to make me more 
 cautious, and not increase my folly. 
 
 J3E wary, saith one, be wary, keep to 
 thyself what I tell thee. And whilst I 
 hold my peace, and believe the matter 
 to be secret, he himself cannot keep the 
 secret which he desires me to keep, but 
 presently betrays both me and himself, 
 and goes his way. 
 
 _T ROM such foolish speech and such 
 unwary people defend me, Lord, that 
 
72 jflomenta toify tfce Consoling; C&tiat 
 
 I may not fall into their hands, nor ever 
 commit the like. 
 
 vJTlVE to my mouth truth and con- 
 stancy in my words, and remove far 
 from me a crafty tongue. 
 
 WHAT I am not willing to suffer, I 
 ought by all means to shun. 
 
 v/H, how good and how peaceful it is 
 to be silent about others, and not to 
 believe all that is said, nor easily to 
 report what one has heard; to lay one's 
 self open to few; always to seek Thee, 
 the Beholder of the heart, and not to be 
 carried about with every wind of words; 
 but to wish that all things, both within 
 and without us, may be accomplished 
 according to the pleasure of Thy will! 
 
C&rtet out ^fjwne of 9®tttv 
 
 A throne shall be prepared in Mercy, 
 and One shall sit upon it in truth in the 
 Tabernacle of David. — Is. 16 : 5. 
 
 VJ LORD God, the just Judge, strong 
 and patient, who knowest the frailty and 
 perverseness of me, be Thou my strength, 
 my entire confidence, for my own con- 
 science sufficeth me not. 
 
 1 HOU knowest that which I know 
 not; and therefore in every reprehension 
 I ought to humble myself, and bear it 
 with meekness. 
 
 FARDON me, I beesech Thee, in Thy 
 mercy, as often as I have not done thus, 
 and give me in future the grace to suffer 
 still more. 
 
 r OR better to me is Thy great mercy, 
 
 for the obtaining of pardon, than the 
 
 73 
 
74 ^omenta tottf) t\)t Conaotms Cjjttst 
 
 justice which I imagine in myself for the 
 defence of my hidden conscience. 
 
 ALTHOUGH my conscience accuse me 
 not, yet I cannot hereby justify myself; 
 for setting Thy mercy aside, no man 
 living shall be justified in Thy sight. 
 
Cfjtfgit out (fcbtila&tixis Joy 
 
 The redeemed of the Lord shall return 
 and shall come into Sion with praise, 
 and everlasting joy shall be upon their 
 heads. — Is. 35 : 10. 
 
 \J MOST happy mansion of the city 
 above! most bright day of eternity, 
 which knows no night, but is always 
 enlightened by the Sovereign Truth! a 
 day always joyful, always secure, and 
 never changing its state for the contrary! 
 
 vjH, that this day would shine upon us, 
 and all those temporal things would come 
 to an end! 
 
 ±T shines indeed upon the saints, re- 
 splendent with everlasting brightness; 
 but to us pilgrims upon earth it is seen 
 only as afar off, and through a glass. 
 
 1 HE citizens of heaven know how 
 
 joyful that day is; but we poor exiled 
 
 75 
 
76 JHomentfii tott|) tj)e Consoling Clmst 
 
 children of Eve mourn that this our day 
 is bitter and tedious. 
 
 A HE days of this life are short and 
 evil, full of sorrows and miseries; where 
 man is defiled with many sins, ensnared 
 with many passions, attacked with many 
 cares, encompassed with many errors, 
 worn with many labors, troubled with 
 temptations, weakened with pleasures, 
 tormented with want. 
 
 L/H, when will there be an end of these 
 evils? When shall I be set at liberty 
 from the wretched slavery of sin? 
 
 WHEN, Lord, shall I think of Thee 
 alone? When shall I fully rejoice in 
 Thee? 
 
 W HEN shall I be without any impedi- 
 ment to true liberty, and without any 
 trouble of mind or body? 
 
 WHEN shall I enjoy a solid peace 
 never to be disturbed, and always secure, 
 
C&rtet our ©toeriaatmg; 3Top 77 
 
 a peace both within and without, and a 
 peace every way secure? 
 
 VjrOOD Jesus, when shall I stand to 
 behold Thee? When shall I contemplate 
 the glory of Thy kingdom? When wilt 
 Thou be all in all to me? 
 
 WH, when shall I be with Thee in Thy 
 kingdom, which Thou hast prepared for 
 Thy beloved from all eternity? 
 
 1 AM left poor and exile in an enemy's 
 country, where there are daily wars and 
 grievous misfortunes. 
 
 COMFORT me in my banishment, 
 soothe my sorrow; for my every desire 
 aspires to Thee, and all that this world 
 offers for my comfort is burdensome to 
 me. 
 
 1 LONG to enjoy thee intimately, but 
 cannot attain to it. 
 
78 JHomentfii tottj) ti)e Condoling; C&tist 
 
 1 DESIRE to cleave to heavenly things, 
 but the things of this life and my un- 
 mortified passions bear me down. I am 
 willing in mind to be above all things, 
 but by the flesh am forced against my 
 will to be subject to them. 
 
 1 HUS, unhappy man that I am, I 
 fight with myself, and am become burden- 
 some to myself, whilst the spirit seeks to 
 tend upwards, and the flesh downwards. 
 
 L/H, what do I suffer interiorly, whilst 
 in my mind I consider heavenly things; 
 and presently a crowd of carnal thoughts 
 interrupt my prayer! my God, re- 
 move not Thyself afar from me, and 
 depart not in anger from Thy servant. 
 
 DART forth Thy lightning, and 
 disperse them; shoot Thy arrows, and 
 let all the phantoms of the enemy be 
 put to flight. 
 
 RECOLLECT my senses in Thee; 
 make me forget all worldly things ; give me 
 
Cfmat our ffitoerlaatmg; 3Jo? 79 
 
 the grace speedily to cast away and to 
 despise all wicked imaginations. 
 
 C<OME to my aid, eternal Truth, 
 that no vanity may move me. 
 
 (jOME, heavenly sweetness, and let all 
 impurity fly from before Thy face. 
 
 JT ARDON me also, and mercifully for- 
 give me the times that I have thought of 
 anything else in prayer besides Thee. 
 
 r OR I confess truly that I am accus- 
 tomed to be very much distracted. 
 
 JT OR oftentimes I am not there where 
 I am bodily standing or sitting, but am 
 rather there where my thoughts carry 
 me. 
 
 1 HERE is where I am, where my 
 thought is; and there oftentimes is my 
 thought where that is which I love. 
 
80 Jftomcnte; tottl) tlje Consoling Christ 
 
 JL HAT thing most readily comes to my 
 mind which naturally delights me, or 
 which through custom is pleasing to me. 
 
 JT OR this reason Thou, who art the 
 Truth, hast plainly said: Where thy 
 treasure is there also is thy heart. 
 
 IF I love heaven I willingly think on 
 heavenly things. 
 
 IF I love the world, I rejoice in the 
 prosperity of the world, and am troubled 
 at its adversity. 
 
 IF I love the flesh, my imagination is 
 often taken up with the things of the 
 flesh. 
 
 IF I love the spirit, I delight to think 
 of spiritual things. 
 
 JT OR whatsoever things I love, of the 
 same I willingly speak and hear, and 
 carry home with me the images of them. 
 
eimat our everlasting go? 81 
 
 jDUT blessed is the man who for Thee, 
 Lord, abandons all things created; 
 who offers violence to his nature, and 
 through fervor of spirit crucifies the lusts 
 of the flesh; that so, with a serene con- 
 science, he may offer to thee pure prayer, 
 and become worthy to be admitted among 
 the choir of angels, having excluded 
 himself both exteriorly and interiorly 
 from all things of earth. 
 
Cfjttet out 3lt&&tti l&egignation 
 
 Behold, I come to do Thy will, O God. 
 I have desired it. — Ps. 39 : 9. 
 
 LORD God, holy Father, be 
 Thou now forever blessed; for as Thou 
 wilt, so is it done; and what Thou doest 
 is always good. 
 
 J_jET Thy servant rejoice in Thee, not 
 in himself, nor in any other; for Thou 
 alone art true joy, Thou art my hope and 
 my crown, my gladness and my honor, 
 
 Lord. 
 
 WHAT hath Thy servant but what 
 he hath received from Thee, and this 
 without any merit on his part? All 
 things are Thine, which Thou hast given, 
 and which Thou hast made. 
 
 1 AM poor, and in labors from my 
 youth; and my soul is saddened some- 
 times even unto tears, and sometimes, 
 
 82 
 
C&rtet ottr ^Sleaaefc Keatffnatton 83 
 
 too, my spirit is disturbed within itself 
 by reason of impending suffering. 
 
 1 LONG for the joy of peace; I beg for 
 the peace of Thy children, who are fed 
 by Thee in the light of Thy consolation. 
 
 IF Thou givest peace, if Thou infusest 
 holy joy, the soul of Thy servant shall be 
 full of melody, and devout in Thy praise. 
 
 OUT if Thou withdrawest Thyself, as 
 Thou art very often accustomed to do, 
 he will not be able to run in the way of 
 Thy commandments; but rather must 
 bow down his knees, and strike his 
 breast, because it is not with him as it 
 was yesterday, and the day before, when 
 Thy lamp shone over his head, and he 
 was protected under the shadow of Thy 
 wings from temptations rushing in upon 
 him. 
 
 \J JUST Father, holy and always to be 
 praised, the hour is come for Thy servant 
 to be tried. 
 
84 JHomenta tott!) tfje Consolinji Christ 
 
 FATHER, worthy of all love, it is 
 fitting that Thy servant should at this 
 hour suffer something for Thee. 
 
 FATHER, always to be honored, 
 the hour is come which Thou didst foresee 
 from all eternity, that Thy servant for a 
 short time should be oppressed exteriorly, 
 but interiorly should ever live unto Thee; 
 that he should be a little slighted and 
 humbled, and should fail in the sight of 
 men; that he should be severely afflicted 
 with sufferings and disease, that so he 
 may rise again with Thee in the dawning 
 of a new light, and be glorified in heaven. 
 
 HOLY Father, Thou hast so ap- 
 pointed, and such is Thy will; and that 
 has come to pass which Thou hast 
 ordained. 
 
 r OR this is a favor to Thy friend, that 
 he should suffer and be afflicted in this 
 world, for the love of Thee; how often 
 soever, and by whomsoever Thou per-' 
 mittest it to befall him, 
 
Ctmst our ^Slesaefc Kestgnatian 85 
 
 WlTHOUT Thy design and provi- 
 dence, and without cause, nothing hap- 
 pens in this world. 
 
 IT is good for me, Lord, that Thou 
 hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy 
 justifications, and that I may cast away 
 from me all pride of heart and presump- 
 tion. 
 
 IT is profitable for me that shame has 
 covered my face, that I may rather seek 
 my comfort from Thee than from men. 
 
 1 HAVE also learned hereby to fear 
 Thy impenetrable judgments, who af- 
 flictest the just together with the wicked, 
 but not without equity and justice. 
 
 THANKS be to Thee, that Thou hast 
 not spared me in my sufferings, but hast 
 bruised me with bitter stripes, inflicting 
 pains, and sending distress both within 
 and without. 
 
 AND of all things under heaven, there 
 is none can comfort me but Thou, 
 
86 ifHomenta toify X^t JJDonsoltng; Cbrtet 
 
 Lord, my God, the heavenly physician of 
 souls, who woundest and healest, bringest 
 down to hell, and leadest back again. 
 
 J_ HY discipline is upon me, and Thy 
 rod itself shall instruct me. 
 
 OEHOLD, beloved Father, I am in 
 Thy hands; I bow myself down under 
 the rod of Thy correction. 
 
 OTRIKE Thou my back and my neck, 
 that I may bend my perversity to Thy 
 will. 
 
 lVlAKE me a pious and humble 
 disciple, as Thou in Thy goodness art 
 wont to do, that I may walk according 
 to every indication of Thy will. 
 
 _L Thee I commit myself and all that 
 is mine, to be corrected by Thee; it is 
 better to be chastised here than hereafter. 
 
 1H0U knowest everything, and there 
 is nothing in man's conscience hidden 
 from Thee. 
 
C&ttat ottr ^Slesaefc JBUatsnatton 87 
 
 1 HOU knowest things to come before 
 they happen; and Thou hast no need to 
 be taught or admonished by any one of 
 what is being done on earth. 
 
 JlHOU knowest what is expedient for 
 my progress, and how serviceable tribula- 
 tion is to rub away the rust of sin. 
 
 jDO with me according to Thy good 
 pleasure; it is what I desire; and despise 
 not my sinful life, to no one better or 
 more clearly known than to Thyself 
 alone. 
 
 GRANT, Lord, that I may know 
 what I ought to know; that I may love 
 what I ought to love; that I may praise 
 that which is most pleasing to Thee; 
 that I may esteem that which is valuable 
 in Thy sight; that I may despise that 
 which is despicable in thy eyes. 
 
 BUFFER me not to judge according 
 to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to 
 give sentence according to the hearing 
 
88 Jftoments )niib tfce Concolina: Christ 
 
 of the ears of men, that know not what 
 they are about; but to determine both 
 of visible and spiritual matters with true 
 judgment and above all things ever to 
 seek Thy good will and pleasure. 
 
C&ttet our l&opal J&ar&on 
 
 For I know that Thou art a gracious 
 
 and merciful God, patient and of much 
 
 compassion, and easy to forgive evil. 
 
 — Jonas 4 : 2. 
 
 J_jORD, I am not worthy of Thy con- 
 solation, or any spiritual visitation; and 
 therefore Thou dealest justly with me, 
 when Thou leavest me poor and desolate. 
 
 JT OR if I could shed tears like a sea, 
 yet should I not be worthy of Thy 
 comfort. 
 
 WHEREFORE I deserve nothing else 
 but to be scourged and punished, because 
 I have grievously and often offended 
 Thee, and in many things have very 
 much sinned against Thee. 
 
 !^0 that, according to just reason, I do 
 not deserve the least consolation. 
 89 
 
90 iflomentfii toitl) t\)t Consoling; C&rtst 
 
 JDUT Thou, who art a good and merci- 
 ful God, who wilt not have Thy works 
 perish, to show the riches of Thy good- 
 ness towards the vessels of mercy, vouch- 
 safest beyond all his deserts to comfort 
 Thy servant above human measure. 
 
 Jr OR Thy consolations are not like the 
 consolations of men. 
 
 WHAT have I done, Lord, that 
 Thou shouldst impart to me Thy heavenly 
 comfort? 
 
 1 CAN remember nothing of good that 
 I have ever done, but that I was always 
 prone to vice, and very slow towards 
 amendment. 
 
 IT is the truth, and I cannot deny it. 
 If I should say otherwise, Thou wouldst 
 stand against me, and there would be 
 none to defend me. 
 
 WHAT have I deserved for my sins 
 but hell and everlasting fire? In truth, 
 
Cfjrtst our Hopal JJarfcon 91 
 
 I confess that I am worthy of all scorn 
 and contempt, neither is it fitting that 
 I should be named among Thy devout 
 servants. And though it goes against 
 me to hear this, yet for truth's sake I 
 will condemn myself for my sins, that 
 so I may the easier obtain Thy mercy. 
 
 W HAT shall I say, guilty as I am, and 
 full of all confusion? 
 
 1VJ_Y mouth can utter nothing but only 
 this one word: I have sinned, Lord, 
 I have sinned; have mercy on me and 
 pardon me. 
 
 ^UFFER me a little that I may mourn 
 out my grief, before I go to the darksome 
 land that is covered with the dismal 
 shade of death. 
 
 W HAT dost Thou chiefly require of a 
 guilty and wretched sinner, but that he 
 should heartily repent and humble him- 
 self for his sins? 
 
92 Jlt0menta tottj) tbe Consoling; Cfcrtet 
 
 HUMBLE contrition for sins is an 
 acceptable sacrifice to Thee, Lord, of 
 far sweeter odor in Thy sight than the 
 burning of frankincense. 
 
 J_HIS is also that pleasing ointment 
 which Thou wouldst have to be poured 
 upon Thy sacred feet. For Thou never 
 yet hast despised a contrite and humble 
 heart. 
 
C&tfgt out ^olg $et&tbttmtt 
 
 Perfect Thou my goings in Thy paths; 
 that my footsteps be not moved. 
 
 — Ps. 16:5. 
 
 \J LORD my God, who hast created 
 me to Thy own image and likeness, grant 
 me this grace, which Thou hast declared 
 to be so great, and so necessary to salva- 
 tion, that I may overcome my corrupt 
 nature, which draws me to sin and 
 perdition. 
 
 r OR I perceive in my flesh the law of 
 sin contradicting the law of mind and 
 leading me captive to obey the senses in 
 many things; neither can I resist the 
 passions thereof, unless assisted by Thy 
 holy grace, infused with fervor into my 
 heart. 
 
 1 STAND in need of Thy grace, and of 
 a great grace, to overcome nature, which 
 is always prone to evil from its youth. 
 93 
 
94 JStnmente toify t&e Consoling; C&rist 
 
 IlENCE it is, my God, that accord- 
 ing to the inward man I am delighted 
 with Thy law, knowing Thy command to 
 be good, just and holy, both for the 
 reproval of all evil and for the avoiding 
 of all sin. 
 
 jnLND yet in the flesh I serve the law 
 of sin, while I obey sensuality rather than 
 reason. 
 
 HENCE it is, that to will that which 
 is good is present with me, but how to 
 accomplish it I find not. 
 
 JLIENCE I often make many good 
 resolutions, but because I lack grace to 
 help my weakness, through a slight 
 resistance I recoil and fall off. 
 
 JLIENCE it comes to pass, that I 
 know the way of perfection, and see 
 clearly enough what I ought to do, but 
 pressed down with the weight of my own 
 corruption, I rise not to the things that 
 are more perfect. 
 
C&rtat ottr $>oIp |)ergetoetance 95 
 
 vJH, how exceedingly necessary for 
 me, Lord, is Thy grace, to begin that 
 which is good, to go forward with it, and 
 to accomplish it! 
 
 _T OR without it I can do nothing; but 
 I can do all things in Thee, when Thy 
 grace strengthens me. 
 
 KJ GRACE truly heavenly, without 
 which we have no merits of our own, 
 neither are any of the gifts of nature to 
 be esteemed. 
 
 INO art or riches, no beauty or strength, 
 no wit or eloquence, are of any worth 
 with Thee, Lord, without grace. 
 
 INI OR even faith, nor hope, nor any 
 other virtues, are acceptable to Thee 
 without charity and grace. 
 
 vJ MOST blessed grace, which maketh 
 the poor in spirit rich in virtues, and 
 renderest him who is rich in many good 
 things humble of heart! 
 
96 ^omenta toitf) t&e Consoling; C&rtet 
 
 G( 
 
 <<OME, descend upon me, replenish me 
 betimes with Thy consolation, lest my 
 soul faint through weariness and dryness 
 of mind. 
 
 I BESEECH Thee, Lord, that I may 
 find grace in Thy sight; for Thy grace is 
 enough for me, though I obtain none of 
 those things which nature desires. 
 
 IF I be tempted and afflicted with many 
 tribulations, I will fear no evils whilst 
 Thy grace is with me. 
 
 JLiET Thy grace, therefore, Lord, 
 always both go before me and follow me, 
 and make me ever intent upon good 
 works, through Jesus Christ Thy Son. 
 Amen. 
 
Cfjttet out CSmtzoug Ketoatti 
 
 The just are waiting for me till Thou 
 reward me. — Ps. 141 : 8. 
 
 LjORD Jesus, forasmuch as Thy way- 
 is narrow, and despised by the world, 
 grant that I may follow Thee, and be de- 
 spised by the world. 
 
 Jl OR the servant is not greater than 
 his Lord, neither is the disciple above 
 his Master. 
 
 J_jORD Jesus, as Thou hast said and 
 hast promised: He that hath My com- 
 mandments, and keepeth them, he it is 
 that loveth Me: and I will love him, and 
 I will manifest Myself unto him, and I 
 will make him sit with Me in the kingdom 
 of My Father, so may it be indeed; and 
 may it be my lot to merit it. 
 
 LORD, blessed be this Thy word: 
 
 1 have received the cross, I have received 
 
 97 
 
98 Jlomente fcottl) \§z Condoling; CJjrtet 
 
 it from Thy hand: and I will bear it 
 until death, as Thou hast laid it upon 
 me. It is more sweet to my mouth than 
 honey, and the honeycomb. 
 
 WHAT should I do in my so great 
 tribulations and anguish, if Thou didst 
 not encourage me with Thy holy words? 
 
 WHAT matter is it how much or 
 what I suffer, so I come at length to the 
 haven of salvation? 
 
 Go 
 
 rRANT me a good end, grant me a 
 happy passage out of this world; be ever 
 mindful of me, my God, and direct me 
 in the right path to Thy kingdom. 
 Amen. 
 
Cfittet our priceless l&angtom 
 
 The redeemed of the Lord shall return, 
 and shall come into Sion with praise, 
 and everlasting joy shall be upon their 
 heads. — Is. 35 : 10. 
 
 J_jORD, what is my confidence which I 
 have in this life? or what is my greatest 
 comfort amongst all things that appear 
 under heaven? 
 
 IS it not Thou, my Lord God, whose 
 mercies are without number? 
 
 Wi 
 
 HERE was it ever well to me with- 
 out Thee, or when was it ever ill with me 
 when Thou wast present? 
 
 i 
 
 HAD rather be poor for Thee, than 
 rich without Thee. 
 
 i 
 
 CHOOSE rather to sojourn upon 
 earth with Thee, than to possess heaven 
 without Thee. Where Thou art, there 
 is heaven; and there is death and hell 
 where Thou art not. 
 99 
 
100 Jffloments tottl) tfce Consoling; Cj)ri*t 
 
 i\FTER Thee I have a longing desire, 
 and therefore must needs sigh after Thee, 
 and cry and pray. 
 
 IN fine, I cannot fully trust in any one 
 to bring me seasonable help in my 
 necessities, save only in Thee, my God. 
 
 JlHOU art my hope, my confidence, 
 my comforter, and in all things most 
 faithful. 
 
 ALL seek the things that are their 
 own; Thou designest only my salvation 
 and profit, and turnest all things to my 
 good. 
 
 i\ND although Thou exposest me to 
 various temptations and adversities, yet 
 all this Thou ordainest for my good, 
 who art wont to prove Thy beloved 
 servants a thousand ways. 
 
 UNDER which probation Thou 
 oughtest not less to be loved and praised, 
 than if Thou didst replenish me with 
 heavenly consolations. 
 
C&rtet nttr priceless Kanaom 101 
 
 IN Thee, therefore, Lord God, do I 
 place all my hope and refuge; on Thee 
 I cast all my tribulation and anguish; 
 for I find all to be weak and inconstant 
 whatever I behold out of Thee. 
 
 _T OR neither will many friends be of 
 service to me, nor can powerful auxiliaries 
 assist me, nor wise counsellors give me 
 a profitable reply, nor the books of the 
 learned give me consolation, nor any 
 precious substance ransom me, nor any 
 secret place secure me, if Thou Thyself 
 do not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, 
 instruct and guard me. 
 
 JT OR all things which seem to me to be 
 for our peace and for our happiness, 
 when Thou art absent, are nothing, and 
 in truth contribute nothing to our 
 felicity. 
 
 1 HOU therefore art the fountain of all 
 good, the height of life, and the depth of 
 wisdom: and to trust in Thee above all 
 things is the greatest comfort of Thy 
 servants. 
 
102 JWomentg toitf) fyz Conaolitiff C&riat 
 
 UNTO Thee do I lift up mine eyes; 
 in Thee, my God, Father of mercies, I 
 put my trust. Bless and sanctify my 
 soul with Thy heavenly blessing, that it 
 may be made Thy holy habitation, and 
 the seat of Thy eternal glory; and let 
 nothing be found in the temple of Thy 
 divinity that may offend the eyes of Thy 
 majesty. 
 
 ACCORDING to the greatness of Thy 
 goodness, and the multitude of Thy 
 tender mercies, look down upon me, and 
 give ear to the prayer of Thy poor servant, 
 who is in banishment afar off from Thee 
 in the region of the shadow of death. 
 
 PROTECT and defend the soul of Thy 
 poor servant amidst so many dangers of 
 this corruptible life, and direct him in 
 the company of Thy grace through the 
 way of peace, to the country of ever- 
 lasting light. Amen. 
 
W$t S^ot&et of Cfjrtet 
 
 I will take hold of Thee, and bring 
 Thee into my Mother's house. 
 
 — Cant 8:2. 
 
 XTAIL, Mary, full of grace, the Lord 
 is with Thee ! Hail, Hope of the indigent, 
 Mother of the motherless! 
 
 O MARY, my Mother, when my 
 contrite heart is broken with sorrow and 
 distress, and my soul is enveloped with 
 sadness and fear; when the wind of 
 temptation rages round me, and the 
 storm of passion overwhelms my heart; 
 when sin has closed for me the gates of 
 heaven and deprived me of the friendship 
 of my God; in that hour of tribulation 
 and anguish, to whom shall I have re- 
 course, if not to Thee, most blessed Mary, 
 Consoler of the afflicted, and Refuge of 
 sinners? 
 
 
 
 MARY, Thou art truly that beauti- 
 ful Star of the Sea that saves all those 
 103 
 
104 foments tottl) t^e Consoling; Cbrtet 
 
 who, in peril, raise their eyes towards 
 Thee. I call Thee now to my aid, most 
 merciful Mother of God. I fly to Thee 
 with the confidence of a little child, who 
 seeks refuge in the arms of its mother. 
 Open Thine to me. Give me a place in 
 Thy heart. Say to me: Fear not. I 
 am Thy Advocate. I will speak for 
 thee. As a mother consoles her weeping 
 child, I will console thee. my Mother, 
 say these words, and peace shall return to 
 my soul. 
 
 v^OME, Mary, come with the sweet- 
 ness which always accompanies Thee. 
 Come to me in my trials. Come to 
 encourage me and to bring me the grace 
 of Thy divine Son, Jesus. 
 
 DEAREST Mother, no sooner have I 
 confided to Thee my sorrows, than al- 
 ready I feel consoled. Thy name alone 
 is balm for my wounds. 
 
 vJ NAME of Mary, name full of grace! 
 Name which all lips should pronounce 
 
@H)e JHotber of C&rust 105 
 
 with love, all hearts should bless. 
 Heavenly and angelic name, be my con- 
 solation and strength now, and at the 
 hour of my death. Mary, Virgin 
 Mother of Christ, may Thy blessed name 
 and the adorable name of Jesus, be the 
 last I shall pronounce on earth. Amen. 
 
Cfittet out actable &acratwnt 
 
 I will set my tabernacle in the midst 
 of you, and my soul shall not cast you 
 off. — Lev. 26:11. 
 
 CjOME to Me, all you that labor and 
 are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, 
 saith the Lord. 
 
 XHE bread which I will give is My 
 flesh for the life of the world. 
 
 A AKE and eat; this is My body which 
 shall be delivered for you; do this for the 
 commemoration of Me. 
 
 AAE that eateth My flesh and drinketh 
 My blood abideth in Me, and I in him. 
 
 A HE words that I have spoken to you 
 are spirit and life. 
 
 106 
 
C&rtet our &SaraMe Sacrament 107 
 
 THESE are Thy words, Christ, the 
 eternal Truth, though not all delivered 
 at one time, nor written in one place. 
 
 I^INCE therefore they are Thine, and 
 true, they ought all to be thankfully and 
 faithfully received by me. 
 
 THEY are Thine, and Thou hast 
 spoken them; and they are also mine, 
 because Thou hast delivered them for 
 my salvation. 
 
 I WILLINGLY receive them from Thy 
 mouth, that they may be more closely 
 ingrafted in my heart. 
 
 W ORDS of so great tenderness, full of 
 sweetness and love, encourage me; but 
 my sins terrify me, and my unclean con- 
 science keeps me back from approaching 
 to so great mysteries. 
 
 1 HE sweetness of Thy words invites 
 me, but the multitude of my offences 
 weighs me down. 
 
108 JHomenta tottl) t&e Consoling Clmst 
 
 1H0U commandest me to approach 
 to Thee with confidence, if I would have 
 part with Thee; and to receive the food 
 of immortality, if I desire to obtain life 
 and glory everlasting. 
 
 VjOME, Thou sayest to me, all you 
 that labor, and are heavy burdened, and 
 I will refresh you. 
 
 \J SWEET and loving word in the ear 
 of a sinner, that Thou, Lord, my God, 
 shouldst invite the poor and needy to 
 the communion of Thy most sacred body ! 
 
 BlJT who am I, Lord, that I should 
 presume to come to Thee? 
 
 J3EHOLD, the heaven of heavens can- 
 not contain Thee; and Thou sayest: 
 Come ye all to Me. 
 
 WHAT means this most loving con- 
 descension, and so friendly invitation? 
 
C&riat ottr a&orabie Sacrament 109 
 
 11 OW shall I dare to approach, who 
 am conscious to myself of no good on 
 which I can presume? 
 
 11 OW shall I introduce Thee into my 
 house, who have oftentimes provoked 
 Thy indignation? 
 
 1HE angels and the archangels stand 
 in reverential awe; the saints and the 
 just are afraid; and Thou say est: Come 
 ye all to Me. 
 
 UNLESS Thou, Lord, didst say it, 
 who could believe it to be true? 
 
 AND unless Thou didst command it, 
 who would venture to approach? 
 
 J3EHOLD, Noah, a just man, labored 
 a hundred years in building the ark, that 
 he with a few might be saved; and how 
 shall I be able in the space of one hour 
 to prepare myself to receive with rever- 
 ence the Maker of the world? 
 
110 ^omenta totty tlje Conaoltns; Christ 
 
 MOSES, Thy great servant and Thy 
 special friend, made an ark of incor- 
 ruptible wood, which he also covered 
 with the most pure gold, that he might 
 deposit therein the tables of the law; 
 and shall I, a miserable creature, presume 
 so easily to receive Thee, the Maker of 
 the law, and the Giver of life? 
 
 OOLOMON, the wisest of the kings of 
 Israel, employed seven years in building 
 a magnificent temple for the praise of 
 Thy name, and for eight days together 
 celebrated the feast of the dedication 
 thereof; he offered a thousand pacific 
 victims, and brought in a solemn manner 
 the ark of the covenant into the place 
 prepared for it, with sound of trumpet 
 and rejoicing; and I, the most wretched, 
 and the vilest of men, how shall I intro- 
 duce Thee into my house, who can hardly 
 spend one half hour devoutly? And 
 would that I had ever spent one half 
 hour as I ought! 
 
 \J MY God, how much did they en- 
 deavor to do to please Thee! Alas, how 
 
C&rurt ottr a&orafcle Sacrament 111 
 
 little it is that I do! How short a time 
 do I spend, when I prepare myself to 
 communicate! 
 
 OELDOM am I wholly recollected, 
 very seldom free from all distraction. 
 
 i\ND yet surely, in the life-giving 
 presence of Thy Deity, no unbecoming 
 thought should occur, nor anything 
 created occupy my mind; for it is not 
 an angel, but the Lord of angels that I 
 am about to entertain. 
 
 1 HERE is, moreover, a very great 
 difference between the ark of the cove- 
 nant with its relics, and Thy most pure 
 body with its unspeakable virtues; be- 
 tween those sacrifices of the law, which 
 were figures of things to come, and the 
 true sacrifices. 
 
 WHY then am I not more inflamed, 
 considering Thy venerable presence? 
 
 W HY do I not prepare myself with 
 greater care to receive Thy sacred gifts, 
 
112 ^omenta toitj) tbe Consoling: C&rtat 
 
 seeing that these ancient holy patriarchs 
 and prophets, yea, kings also and princes 
 with the whole people, have shown so 
 great affection of devotion towards Thy 
 divine worship? 
 
 1 HE most devout king David danced 
 with all his might before the ark of God, 
 as he called to mind the benefits in times 
 past bestowed upon his fathers. He 
 made musical instruments of various 
 kinds; he composed psalms, and ap- 
 pointed them to be sung with joy, and he 
 himself likewise often sung them, playing 
 upon his harp, inspired with the grace of 
 the Holy Ghost. He taught the people 
 of Israel to praise God with their whole 
 heart, and to join their voices in blessing 
 and magnifying Him every day. 
 
 IF so great devotion was then dis- 
 played, and such remembrance of the 
 praise of God before the ark of the 
 covenant, how great ought to be the rev- 
 erence and devotion which I and all 
 Christian people should have in the 
 presence of this sacrament and in receiv- 
 ing the most precious Body of Christ? 
 
Christ ottr atioraile Sacrament 113 
 
 IVlANY run to sundry places to visit 
 the relics of the saints, and wonder to 
 hear of their remarkable deeds; they 
 behold the spacious buildings of their 
 churches, and kiss their sacred bones, 
 enveloped in silk and gold. 
 
 i\ND behold Thou art here present to 
 me on the altar, my God, the Saint of 
 Saints, the Creator of Men, and the Lord 
 of Angels. 
 
 OFTENTIMES, in seeing those things, 
 men are moved with curiosity, and the 
 novelty of sights, and carry home but 
 little fruit of amendment; and the more 
 so when persons run lightly hither and 
 thither without real contrition. 
 
 JdUT here, in the sacrament of the 
 altar, Thou art wholly present, my God, 
 the Man Christ Jesus; where also the 
 fruit of eternal salvation is plentifully 
 reaped, as often as Thou art worthily 
 and devoutly received. 
 
114 jHamenta tottj) tfje Conaoltns C&ttst 
 
 i\ND to this we are not drawn by any 
 levity, curiosity, or sensuality, but by a 
 firm faith, a devout hope, and a sincere 
 charity. 
 
 GOD, the invisible Maker of the 
 world, how wonderfully dost Thou deal 
 with us! How sweetly and graciously 
 dost Thou order all things in favor of 
 Thy elect, to whom Thou offerest Thyself 
 to be received in this sacrament! 
 
 _T OR this exceeds all understanding; 
 this, in a particular manner, draws the 
 hearts of the devout, and enkindles their 
 love. 
 
 F OR they Thy faithful ones, who 
 dispose their whole life to amendment, 
 frequently receive from this most august 
 sacrament, a great grace of devotion and 
 love of virtue. 
 
 vjH, the wonderful and hidden grace of 
 this sacrament which only the faithful of 
 
Cjjrtat our &toarable Sacrament 115 
 
 Christ know, but which unbelievers, and 
 such as are slaves to sin, cannot ex- 
 perience! 
 
 IN this sacrament is conferred spiritual 
 grace; virtue lost is again restored to 
 the soul; and beauty, disfigured by sin, 
 returns again. 
 
 AND so great sometimes is this grace 
 that, from the abundance of the devotion 
 that is bestowed, not only the mind, but 
 the frail body also feels a great increase 
 of strength. 
 
 I^TILL must we lament and deplore 
 exceedingly our tepidity and negligence, 
 that we are not drawn with greater 
 affection to receive Christ, in whom 
 consists all the hope and merit of those 
 that are to be saved. 
 
 JT OR He is our sanctification and our 
 redemption; He is the consolation of 
 pilgrims, and the eternal beatitude of the 
 saints. 
 
116 Jftomenta toity t|)e Conjoints C&ttet 
 
 IT is therefore much to be lamented 
 that many take so little notice of this 
 saving mystery, which rejoices heaven, 
 and preserves the whole world. 
 
 V/H, the blindness and hardness of the 
 heart of man, that doth not consider so 
 unspeakable a gift; and from a daily use 
 of it falls into a disregard for it! 
 
 jT OR if this most holy Sacrament were 
 celebrated in one place only, and conse- 
 crated by only one priest in the world, how 
 great a desire would men have to go to 
 that place, and to such a priest of God, 
 that they might see the divine Mysteries 
 celebrated? 
 
 XjUT now that there are many priests, 
 and Christ is offered up in many places, 
 that the grace and love of God to man 
 may appear so much the greater, by how 
 much the more this sacred Communion 
 is distributed throughout the entire 
 world. 
 
€bxi*t attt adorable J£>attament 117 
 
 THANKS be to Thee, good Jesus, 
 eternal Shepherd, who hast vouchsafed 
 to feed us poor exiles with Thy precious 
 Body and Blood, and to invite us to the 
 receiving these mysteries with the words 
 of Thy own mouth, saying: Come to 
 Me all you that labor and are burdened, 
 and I will refresh you. 
 
Cfittet out spiritual l&efttg&mntt 
 
 He hath set me in a place of pasture: 
 He hath brought me up on the water 
 of refreshment. — Ps. 22 : 2. 
 
 \J LORD, trusting in Thy goodness 
 and in Thy great mercy, I come sick to 
 my Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the 
 fountain of life, needy to the King of 
 heaven, a servant to his Lord, a creature 
 to his Creator, and one in desolation to 
 his loving comforter. 
 
 J3UT whence is this to me, that Thou 
 shouldst come to me? Who am I, that 
 Thou shouldst give Thyself to me? 
 
 XJ.OW dare such a sinner appear before 
 Thee? and how dost Thou vouchsafe to 
 come to a sinner? 
 
 IHOU knowest Thy servant, and 
 Thou knowest that he has nothing of 
 good in him that can entitle him to this 
 favor. 
 
 118 
 
C&rtst out ^ptrttttal Kefrea&ment 119 
 
 I CONFESS therefore my unworthi- 
 ness; I acknowledge Thy bounty; I 
 praise Thy goodness; and I give thanks 
 for Thy exceeding love. 
 
 r OR it is of Thy own mercy Thou dost 
 this, not for my merits, that Thy good- 
 ness may be better known to me, that 
 greater love may be imparted, and 
 humility more perfectly commended. 
 
 J^INCE therefore this pleaseth Thee, 
 and Thou hast commanded it thus, Thy 
 merciful condescension pleaseth me also; 
 and, Oh, that my iniquity may be no 
 obstacle! 
 
 \J MOST sweet and most bountiful 
 Jesus, how great reverence and thanks, 
 with perpetual praise, are due to Thee, 
 for the receiving of Thy sacred body, 
 whose dignity no man can sufficiently 
 express! 
 
 B 
 
 UT on what shall I think in this 
 Communion, when I approach to my 
 
120 JHoment* toitl) tj)e Conaolma; Cfcrtet 
 
 Lord, whom I can never duly venerate, 
 and yet desire to receive with devotion? 
 
 W HAT can I think on better or more 
 wholesome to my soul, than to humble 
 myself entirely in Thy presence, and 
 extol Thy infinite goodness? 
 
 I PRAISE Thee, my God, and I 
 extol Thee forever; I despise myself, 
 and cast myself down into the depth of 
 my own vileness. 
 
 BEHOLD, Thou art the Saint of 
 Saints, and I am the greatest of sinners. 
 
 BEHOLD, Thou bowest Thyself down 
 to me, who am not worthy to look up to 
 Thee. 
 
 JjEHOLD, Thou comest to me; Thou 
 wishest to be with me; Thou invitest me 
 to Thy banquet; Thou desirest to give 
 me heavenly food, even the bread of 
 angels, to eat; no other, indeed, than 
 
C&tteit our Spiritual Betterment 121 
 
 Thyself, the living Bread, who didst 
 come down from heaven, and givest life 
 to the world. 
 
 JDEHOLD, whence love proceeds, what 
 a bounty shines forth ! How great thanks 
 and praises are due to Thee for these 
 things! 
 
 L/H, how salutary and profitable was 
 Thy design when Thou didst institute it! 
 How sweet and delightful this banquet, 
 in which Thou givest Thyself to be our 
 food! 
 
 vJH, how admirable is Thy work, O 
 Lord! how mighty Thy power! how in- 
 fallible Thy truth! 
 
 JT OR Thou hast spoken, and all things 
 were made, and that which Thou com- 
 mandest has been done. 
 
 A WONDERFUL thing it is, and 
 worthy of faith, and exceeding all human 
 Understanding, that Thou, Lord my 
 
122 ^omenta toify tyt Conaaimg; Christ 
 
 God, true God, and true man, art con- 
 tained whole and entire under a small 
 form of bread and wine, art eaten by the 
 receiver, without being consumed. 
 
 jLHOU, the Lord of all things, who 
 standest in need of no one, art pleased 
 by this Sacrament to dwell in us. 
 
 PRESERVE my heart and my body 
 without stain, that with a joyful and clean 
 conscience I may be able often to cele- 
 brate Thy sacred Mysteries, and to re- 
 ceive for my eternal salvation, what 
 Thou hast principally ordained and 
 instituted for Thy honor and perpetual 
 remembrance. 
 
 JttEJOICE, my soul, and give thanks 
 to thy God for so noble a gift, and so 
 singular a solace left to thee in this vale 
 of tears. 
 
C5ttet our ^eabenlp T&vtab 
 
 This is the Bread which the Lord hath 
 given you to eat. — Ex. 16 : 15. 
 
 BEHOLD I come to Thee, Lord, 
 that by Thy gift, it may be well with me, 
 and that I may be delighted in Thy holy 
 banquet, which Thou, God, in Thy 
 sweetness hast prepared for the poor. 
 
 BEHOLD, in Thee is all whatsoever I 
 can or ought to desire; Thou art my 
 salvation and my redemption, my hope 
 and my strength, my honor and my glory. 
 
 MAKE therefore the soul of Thy 
 servant joyful this day, because, Lord 
 Jesus, I have lifted up my soul to Thee. 
 
 IN W I desire to receive Thee devoutly 
 
 and reverently ; I long to bring Thee into 
 
 my house, so that, with Zaccheus, I may 
 
 123 
 
124 foments tottj) t&e Conaolinj C&ttet 
 
 deserve to be blessed by Thee, and to be 
 numbered among the children of Abra- 
 ham. 
 
 iVlY soul longs to be nourished with 
 Thy body; my heart desires to be united 
 with Thee. 
 
 ijIVE Thyself to me, and it is enough; 
 for without Thee no comfort is of any 
 avail. 
 
 WlTHOUT Thee I cannot exist; and 
 without Thy visitation I cannot live. 
 
 Therefore must i often come to 
 
 Thee and receive Thee as the health and 
 strength of my soul; lest perhaps I faint 
 in the way, if I be deprived of this 
 heavenly food. 
 
 JT OR so Thou, most merciful Jesus, 
 when Thou hadst been preaching to the 
 people and curing their various diseases, 
 didst say: I will not send them fasting 
 to their homes, lest they faint on the way. 
 
entrust our i)eatoenlp ^SreatJ 125 
 
 j_JEAL now in like manner with me, 
 Thou who hast left Thyself in this Sacra- 
 ment for the comfort of Thy faithful. 
 
 Jr OR Thou art the most sweet refection 
 of the soul; and he that shall eat Thee 
 worthily shall be partaker and heir of 
 everlasting glory. 
 
 IT is indeed necessary for me, who so 
 often fall and commit sin, and so quickly 
 become tepid and faint, that, by frequent 
 prayers and confession, and by the sacred 
 receiving of Thy Body, I may again be 
 renewed, cleansed, and inflamed, lest, 
 perhaps, by longer abstaining, I fall 
 away from my holy purpose. 
 
 Jr OR the senses of man are prone to 
 evil from his youth; and unless Thy 
 divine medicine help him, he quickly 
 falls to worse. 
 
 1 HE holy Communion therefore with- 
 draws him from evil, and strengthens 
 him in good. 
 
126 Jftoments tott& t&e Couaoiingf Christ 
 
 Jr OR if I am so often negligent and 
 lukewarm now when I communicate, 
 what would it be if I did not take this 
 remedy, and did not seek so great a help? 
 
 AND although I am not every day fit, 
 nor well disposed to receive Thy sacred 
 Body, yet I will endeavor at proper times 
 to receive the divine mysteries, and to 
 make myself partaker of so great a grace. 
 
 Jr OR this is the principal comfort of a 
 faithful soul, so long as it sojourns afar 
 off from Thee in this mortal body ; being 
 mindful often of its God, to receive its 
 Beloved with a devout mind. 
 
 \J HAPPY mind, and blessed soul, 
 which deserves to receive Thee her Lord 
 God devoutly; and in receiving Thee to 
 be filled with spiritual joy! 
 
 vJH, how great a Lord does she enter- 
 tain, how beloved a Guest does she bring 
 into her house, how sweet a Companion 
 does she receive, how faithful a Friend 
 does she welcome, how beautiful and 
 
Christ ottr |)eatoenl|> 3Srea» 127 
 
 how noble a Spouse does she embrace, 
 who deserves to be loved above all, and 
 beyond all that can be desired! 
 
 _LjET heaven and earth, with all their 
 attire, be silent in Thy presence, O my 
 dearest Beloved; for whatever praise or 
 beauty they have, is all the gift of Thy 
 bounty ; nor can they attain to the beauty 
 of Thy name, of whose wisdom there is 
 no end. 
 
4 
 
 CJjctet out iFountam of fetoeetneggs 
 
 Thou didst feed Thy people with the 
 Food of Angels, and gavest them Bread 
 from Heaven prepared without labour; 
 having in it all that is delicious, and 
 the sweetness of every taste. 
 
 — Wis. 16:20. 
 
 \J LORD, my God, prevent thy servant 
 with blessings of Thy sweetness, that I 
 may approach worthily and devoutly to 
 Thy most holy Sacrament. 
 
 JllAISE up my heart toward Thee, and 
 deliver me from oppressive slothfulness. 
 
 V ISIT me with Thy saving mercy, 
 that I may taste in spirit Thy sweetness, 
 which plentifully lies hid in this sacra- 
 ment, as in a fountain. 
 
 ILLUMINATE also my eyes to behold 
 so great a Mystery, and strengthen me to 
 believe it with an undoubting faith. 
 128 
 
Cbttat our jFotmtatn of ^toeetnestf 129 
 
 _T OR it is Thy work, not the power of 
 man; Thy sacred institution, not man's 
 invention. 
 
 _T OR no man can be found able of him- 
 self to know and understand these things, 
 which surpass even the intelligence of 
 the angels. 
 
 W HAT, shall I, therefore, an unworthy 
 sinner, who am but dust and ashes, be 
 able to search into or comprehend so high 
 and so sacred a mystery ? 
 
 \J LORD, in the simplicity of my 
 heart, with a good and firm faith, and in 
 obedience to Thy command, I come to 
 Thee with hope and reverence; and I 
 believe truly that Thou art here present 
 in this Sacrament, both God and man. 
 
 IT is then Thy will that I should receive 
 Thee, and through love unite myself to 
 Thee. 
 
 WHEREFORE I implore Thy mercy; 
 and I beg of Thee to give me a special 
 
130 Jflotnente; tottfc t&e Conjoints Cfctist 
 
 grace, that I may be wholly dissolved in 
 Thee, and overflow with Thy love, and 
 no more concern myself about any other 
 kind of consolation. 
 
 _T OR this most high and most excellent 
 Sacrament is the health of soul and body, 
 the remedy of all spiritual diseases, by 
 which my vices are cured, my passions 
 restrained, temptations overcome or 
 lessened, greater grace infused, virtue 
 increased, faith confirmed, hope strength- 
 ened, charity inflamed and increased. 
 
 F OR Thou hast bestowed, and still 
 oftentimes dost bestow, many good 
 things in this sacrament to Thy beloved, 
 who communicate devoutly, my God, 
 the support of my soul, the repairer of 
 human infirmity, and the giver of all 
 interior comfort. 
 
 _T OR Thou impartest unto them much 
 consolation, to support them in their 
 many troubles ; and Thou liftest them up 
 from the depth of their own dejection, 
 
C&riat our jFountain of i&toeetneaa 131 
 
 to the hope of Thy protection; and Thou 
 dost interiorly recreate and enlighten 
 them with a certain new grace; so that 
 they who at first were anxious, and with- 
 out sensible affection before Communion 
 after being refreshed with this heavenly 
 food and drink, find themselves changed 
 for the better. 
 
 xtlND in such a way Thou art pleased 
 to deal with Thy elect, that they may 
 more truly acknowledge and plainly 
 experience how great is their weakness, 
 when left to themselves, and how much 
 of bounty and grace they receive from 
 Thee. 
 
 F OR of themselves they are cold, dry, 
 and indevout ; but by Thee they are made 
 fervent, cheerful and devout. 
 
 J? OR who, humbly approaching to the 
 fountain of sweetness, does not carry 
 away with him some little sweetness? 
 
 vJR who, standing by a great fire, 
 does not receive from it some little heat? 
 
132 Omenta tottft t&e Consoling; Cfcrtet 
 
 AND Thou art a fountain ever full 
 and overflowing; Thou art a fire always 
 burning and never failing. 
 
 WHEREFORE, if I may not draw 
 out of the fulness of the fountain, nor 
 drink my fill, I will at least set my mouth 
 to the orifice of this heavenly pipe, that 
 so I may draw thence some little drop to 
 allay my thirst, and may not wholly 
 wither away. 
 
 AND if as yet I cannot be all heavenly 
 and all on fire, like the cherubim and 
 seraphim, I will still endeavor to follow 
 after devotion, and prepare my heart, 
 that so I may acquire some small spark 
 of divine fire by humbly receiving this 
 life-giving Sacrament. 
 
 AND whatever is wanting to me, 
 good Jesus, most blessed Saviour, do 
 Thou in Thy bounty and goodness 
 supply for me, who hast vouchsafed to 
 call all unto Thee, saying: Come to Me, 
 all you that labor and are heavy laden, 
 and I will refresh you, 
 
C&rist our jFottntattt of i&toeetnesa 133 
 
 1 LABOR indeed in the sweat of my 
 brow, I am tormented with grief of 
 heart, I am laden with sins, I am 
 troubled with temptations, and am en- 
 tangled and oppressed with many evil 
 passions; and there is no one to help me, 
 no one to deliver and save me, but Thou, 
 Lord God, my Saviour, to whom I 
 commit myself and all that is mine, that 
 Thou mayest keep me, and bring me to 
 everlasting life. 
 
 IaECEIVE me for the praise and glory 
 of Thy name, who hast prepared Thy 
 Body and Blood for my food and drink. 
 
 GRANT, Lord God, my Saviour, 
 that the frequenting of this Thy Mystery 
 may increase the affection of my devotion. 
 
Cfirtgt our 2D£b0ttt Preparation 
 
 The Lord has heard the desire of the 
 poor; thy ears, O Lord, have heard the 
 preparation of their hearts. — Ps. 9 : 38. 
 
 WHEN I consider Thy dignity, 
 Lord, and my own vileness, I tremble 
 very much, and am confounded within 
 myself. 
 
 JT OR if I come not to Thee, I fly from 
 life; and if I intrude myself unworthily, 
 I incur Thy displeasure. 
 
 WHAT then shall I do, my God, my 
 Helper, my Counsellor in necessities? 
 
 LJO Thou teach me the right way; set 
 before me some short exercise suitable 
 for Holy Communion. 
 
 _T OR it is well to know in what manner 
 I shall reverently and devoutly prepare 
 my heart for Thee, for the profitable 
 receiving of Thy Sacrament, or for 
 celebrating so great and divine a sacrifice. 
 134 
 
C&ttet our Clean SDblation 
 
 For from the rising of the sun to the 
 going down thereof My Name is great 
 among the gentiles; and in every place 
 there is sacrifice; and there is offered 
 to My Name a clean oblation. 
 
 — Mai 1 : 11. 
 
 JLORD, all things are Thine that are in 
 heaven and upon earth. 
 
 I DESIRE to offer up myself to Thee 
 as a voluntary oblation, and to remain 
 forever Thine. 
 
 JljORD, in the sincerity of my heart, I 
 offer myself to Thee this day, as Thy 
 servant forevermore, for Thy homage, 
 and for a sacrifice of perpetual praise. 
 
 RECEIVE me with this sacred Obla- 
 tion of Thy precious Body, which I offer 
 to Thee this day in the invisible presence 
 135 
 
136 JHoments toit!) fyz Consoling: Cljrtet 
 
 of assisting angels, that it may be for 
 mine and all the people's salvation. 
 
 FORGIVE, my God, forgive me my 
 sins, for the sake of Thy holy name. 
 Save my soul which Thou hast redeemed 
 with Thy precious blood. 
 
 BEHOLD, I commit myself to Thy 
 mercy; I resign myself into Thy hands. 
 
 LJEAL with me according to Thy 
 goodness, not according to my wickedness 
 and iniquity. 
 
 I OFFER also to Thee all the good I 
 have, though very little and imperfect; 
 that Thou mayest make it better and 
 sanctify it; that Thou mayest be pleased 
 with it and make it acceptable to Thee 
 and perfect it more and more; and 
 mayest moreover bring me, who am a 
 slothful and unprofitable creature, to a 
 blissful and glorious end. 
 
 I OFFER to Thee also all the pious 
 desires of devout persons; the necessities 
 
e&ttat ottr Clean ©Nation 137 
 
 of my parents, friends, brothers, sisters, 
 and all those that are dear to me; and of 
 all such as, for the love of Thee, have 
 been benefactors to me or others; and 
 who have desired and besought me to 
 offer up prayers and masses for them- 
 selves and all theirs, whether they are 
 still living in the flesh or are already dead 
 to this world; that all may experience 
 the assistance of Thy grace, the benefit 
 of Thy comfort, protection from all 
 dangers, and deliverance from the punish- 
 ment to come; and that, thus freed from 
 all evils, they may with joy give worthy 
 thanks to Thee. 
 
 1 OFFER up also to Thee my prayers, 
 and this sacrifice of Propitiation, for 
 those in particular who have in any- 
 thing wronged me, grieved me, or abused 
 me, or have inflicted upon me any hurt 
 or injury. 
 
 iVND for all those likewise whom I have 
 at any time grieved, troubled, injured, or 
 scandalized, by words or deeds, knowingly 
 or unknowingly ; that it may please Thee 
 
138 Jftomente toitf) t&e Conaolins; C&riat 
 
 to forgive us all our sins and mutual 
 offences. 
 
 1AKE, Lord, from our hearts all 
 jealousy, indignation, wrath, and conten- 
 tion, and whatsoever may hurt charity, 
 and lessen brotherly love. 
 
 _H_AVE mercy, Lord, have mercy on 
 those that crave Thy mercy; give grace 
 to the needy; and grant that we may be 
 worthy to enjoy Thy grace, and that we 
 may attain to life everlasting. Amen. 
 
C&ttet our Celestial Banquet 
 
 They shall be inebriated with the 
 plenty of Thy house; and Thou shalt 
 make them drink of the torrent of Thy 
 pleasure. — Ps. 35 : 9. 
 
 SWEETEST Lord Jesus, how great 
 sweetness hath a devout soul that feasteth 
 with Thee in Thy banquet; where there 
 is no other meat set before her to be eaten 
 but Thyself, her only Beloved, and most 
 to be desired above all the desires of her 
 heart! 
 
 AND to me indeed it would be delight- 
 ful to pour out tears in Thy presence, 
 with the whole affection of my heart, 
 and like the devout Magdalen to wash 
 Thy feet with my tears. 
 
 OUT where is this devotion, where is 
 this so plenteous effusion of holy tears? 
 
 s 
 
 URELY in the sight of Thee, and of 
 Thy holy angels, my whole heart ought 
 to be inflamed, and to weep for joy. 
 139 
 
140 ^omenta toify tj)e Congoitnjr Cfctiat 
 
 _T OR I have Thee in the Sacrament 
 truly present, though hidden under an- 
 other form. 
 
 FOR to behold Thee in Thine own 
 divine brightness, is what mine eyes 
 would not be able to endure, neither 
 could the whole world subsist in the 
 splendor of the glory of Thy majesty. 
 
 IN this, therefore, Thou dost stoop to 
 my weakness, that Thou dost conceal 
 Thyself under the Sacrament. 
 
 1 TRULY have and adore Him whom 
 the angels adore in heaven; but I as yet 
 in faith, they indeed by sight and without 
 a veil. 
 
 I MUST be content with the light of 
 true faith, and walk therein till the day 
 of eternal brightness break forth, and 
 the shadows of figures shall have passed 
 away. 
 
 JtSUT when that which is perfect shall 
 come, the use of sacraments shall cease; 
 
C&ttat our Celestial banquet 141 
 
 for the blessed in heavenly glory need not 
 the aid of the sacraments. 
 
 Jr OR they rejoice without end in the 
 presence of God, beholding His glory 
 face to face; and being transformed 
 from glory into the glory of the incom- 
 prehensible Deity, they taste the Word 
 of God made flesh, as He was from the 
 beginning, and remaineth forever. 
 
 W HEN I call to mind these wonders, 
 every spiritual comfort whatsoever be- 
 comes tedious to me; because, as long as 
 I behold not my Lord openly in His 
 glory, I make no account of all that I 
 see and hear in the world. 
 
 1 HOU art my witness, God, that 
 no one thing can comfort me, nor any- 
 thing created give me rest, but only 
 Thou, My God, whom I desire to con- 
 template for eternity. 
 
 JpUT this is not possible so long as I 
 remain in this mortal life. 
 
142 Jfloments tottl) tlje Consoling C&rist 
 
 i\ND therefore I must endeavor to 
 acquire much patience, and submit my- 
 self to Thee in all my desires. 
 
 TOR thus also Thy Saints, Lord, 
 who now exult with Thee in the Kingdom 
 of heaven, during life awaited in faith 
 and much patience the advent of Thy 
 glory. 
 
 WHAT they believed, I believe; what 
 they hoped for, I hope for; and whither 
 they are gone, I trust that I also, through 
 Thy grace, shall go. 
 
 IN the meantime I will walk in faith, 
 strengthened by the examples of Thy 
 saints. 
 
 1 SHALL have moreover for my com- 
 fort, and the direction of my life, Thy 
 holy books; and above all these, Thy 
 most holy Body for my special remedy 
 and refuge. 
 
 r OR in this life I find there are two 
 things especially necessary for me, with- 
 
C&ttst our Celestial banquet 143 
 
 out which this miserable life would be to 
 me insupportable. 
 
 WHILST I am kept in the prison of 
 this body, I acknowledge myself to need 
 two things, namely, food and light. 
 
 xHOU hast therefore given to me, 
 weak as I am, Thy sacred Body for the 
 nourishment of my soul and body, and 
 Thou hast set Thy Word as a light to my 
 feet. 
 
 WlTHOUT these two I could not well 
 live; for the Word of God is the light 
 of my soul, and Thy Sacrament is the 
 bread of life. 
 
 XHESE also may be called the two 
 tables set on either side, in the store- 
 house of Thy holy church. 
 
 vJNE is the table of the holy altar hav- 
 ing the holy bread, that is, the precious 
 Body of Christ; the other is that of the 
 
144 Jftomentfi toify tit Consoling; Cjjriat 
 
 Divine Law, containing holy doctrine, 
 teaching a right faith, and leading most 
 securely, even to the interior of the veil, 
 where is the Holy of holies. 
 
 THANKS be to Thee, Lord Jesus, 
 Light of eternal Light, for the table of 
 holy doctrine which Thou hast afforded 
 us by the ministry of Thy servants, the 
 prophets and apostles, and other teachers. 
 
 THANKS be to Thee, Thou Creator 
 and Redeemer of men, who, to manifest 
 Thy love to the whole world, hast pre- 
 pared a great supper, wherein Thou hast 
 set before us to be eaten, not the typical 
 lamb, but Thy most sacred Body and 
 Blood; rejoicing all the faithful with Thy 
 holy banquet, and replenishing them 
 with the chalice of salvation, in which 
 are all the delights of paradise; and the 
 holy angels do feast with us, but with a 
 more happy sweetness. 
 
 O LORD of Majesty, grant that we 
 may bless Thee with our lips. 
 
Christ our CDelestial banquet 145 
 
 vJH, how pure ought to be the mouth, 
 how holy the body, how immaculate the 
 heart into which the Author of Purity 
 so often enters! 
 
 r ROM the mouth of him who receives 
 the Sacrament of Christ nothing but 
 what is holy, no word but what is be- 
 coming and profitable, ought to proceed. 
 
 ^IMPLE and chaste should be those 
 eyes which are accustomed to behold the 
 Body of Christ. 
 
 JLiET Thy grace, O God omnipotent, 
 assist us, that we may be enabled to 
 serve Thee worthily and devoutly, in 
 all purity, and with a good conscience. 
 
 i\.ND if we cannot live in so great 
 innocence of life as we ought, grant us 
 still duly to bewail the sins we have com- 
 mitted, and in the spirit of humility, 
 and the purpose of a good will, to serve 
 Thee more fervently for the future. 
 
C&ttet out &obm tgn ^peace 
 
 The Lord will bless His people with 
 peace. — Ps. 28: 11. 
 
 vJH, that it were given me, gracious 
 Lord, to find Thee alone, that I may 
 open my whole heart to Thee, and enjoy 
 Thee as my soul desireth; no one behold- 
 ing me, nor any creature interesting me, 
 or at all affecting me; but Thou alone 
 speaking to me and I to Thee; as the 
 beloved is wont to speak to his beloved, 
 and a friend to entertain himself with 
 his friend! 
 
 Jr OR this I pray, thi/s I desire, that I 
 may be wholly united to Thee, and that 
 I may withdraw my heart from all created 
 things; and by Holy Communion, and 
 often celebrating, I may more and more 
 learn to relish things heavenly and 
 eternal. 
 
 jtVH, Lord God, when shall I be wholly 
 united to Thee, and absorbed in Thee, 
 and altogether forgetful of myself? 
 146 
 
Christ ottr i&otoeteijn JJeace 147 
 
 XHOU in me, and I in Thee; and so 
 grant us both to continue in one. 
 
 VERILY, thou art my Beloved, the 
 choicest amongst thousands, in whom my 
 soul is well pleased to dwell all the days 
 of its life. 
 
 V 
 
 ERILY, Thou art my Peace-maker, 
 in whom is sovereign peace and true rest; 
 out of whom is labor and sorrow and 
 endless misery. 
 
 1H0U art, in truth, a hidden God, 
 and Thy counsel is not with the wicked; 
 but Thy conversation is with the humble 
 and the simple. 
 
 
 
 H, how sweet is Thy spirit, Lord, 
 who, to show Thy sweetness towards Thy 
 children, vouchsafest to refresh them 
 with the most delicious bread which 
 cometh down from heaven! 
 
 ^URELY, there is no other nation so 
 great, that hath its gods so nigh to it, 
 
148 JHomente toit!) t&e Consoling Cbrtst 
 
 as Thou, our God, art present to all Thy 
 faithful; to whom, for their daily com- 
 fort, and for the raising up their hearts 
 to heaven, Thou givest Thyself to be 
 eaten and enjoyed. 
 
 r OR what other nation is there so 
 honored as the Christian people? 
 
 vJR what creature under heaven so 
 beloved as a devout soul, to whom God 
 cometh that He may feed her with His 
 glorious flesh? unspeakable grace! 
 O wonderful condescension! infinite 
 love, singularly bestowed upon man! 
 
 OUT what shall I render to the Lord 
 for this grace, for charity so remarkable? 
 
 1 HERE is not anything that I can 
 present to Him more acceptable than to 
 give up my heart entirely to God, and 
 closely unite it to Him. 
 
 1 HEN all that is within me shall 
 rejoice exceedingly when my soul shall be 
 
Cjjrtat our i&atoeretp, fjeace 149 
 
 perfectly united to my God; then will 
 He say to me: If thou wilt be with me, I 
 will be with thee; and I will answer 
 Him : Vouchsafe, Lord, to remain with 
 me, and I will willingly be with Thee. 
 
 1 HIS is my whole desire, that my heart 
 may be united to Thee. 
 
Cfirtet our SLbMns $imntt 
 
 Though I should walk in the midst of 
 the shadows of death, I will fear no 
 evils for Thou art with me. — Ps. 22 : 4. 
 
 o 
 
 H, how great is the multitude of Thy 
 sweetness, Lord, which Thou hast hid- 
 den for them that fear Thee! 
 
 WHEN, Lord, I call to mind some 
 devout persons, who come to Thy Sacra- 
 ment with the greatest devotion and 
 affection, I am often confounded and 
 ashamed within myself, that I approach 
 so tepidly and coldly to Thy altar, and 
 to the table of Holy Communion; that 
 I remain so dry, and without affection of 
 heart; that I am not wholly set on fire 
 in Thy presence, my God, nor so 
 earnestly drawn onwards and affected, 
 as many devout persons have been, who 
 from a vehement desire of Communion, 
 and a sensible love in their hearts, could 
 not contain themselves from weeping; 
 150 
 
Clmat our &M&fnff l^xmntt 151 
 
 but with their whole souls eagerly 
 thirsted to approach, both with the 
 mouth of their heart and their body, to 
 Thee, God, the living fountain; being 
 in no wise able to moderate or satisfy 
 their hunger, but by receiving Thy body 
 with all joy and spiritual eagerness. 
 
 WH, truly the ardent faith of these 
 persons is an existing argument of Thy 
 sacred presence! 
 
 Jr OR they truly know their Lord in 
 the breaking of bread, whose heart 
 burneth so mightily within them, from 
 Jesus walking with them. 
 
 iVLAS, far from me too often is such 
 affection and devotion, such vehement 
 love and ardor. 
 
 _DE Thou merciful to me, good Jesus, 
 sweet and gracious, and grant thy poor 
 suppliant to feel sometimes at least in 
 the sacred Communion some little of the 
 cordial affection of Thy love, that my 
 
152 JHomenta toitl) fyz Consoling; Cl)ri*t 
 
 faith may be more strengthened, my 
 hope in Thy goodness increased, and 
 that my charity being once perfectly 
 enkindled, and having tasted the manna 
 of heaven, may never die away. 
 
 r OR mighty is Thy mercy to grant 
 me the grace I long for, and to visit me 
 in Thy great clemency with the spirit of 
 fervor when the day of Thy good pleasure 
 shall have come. 
 
 3l OR though I burn not at present with 
 so great desire as those that are so 
 singularly devoted to Thee; yet, by Thy 
 grace, I desire to have this same greatly 
 inflamed desire; praying and wishing 
 that I may be made partaker with all 
 such Thy fervent lovers, and numbered 
 in their holy company. 
 
Cfjttet our Jntttml WLnion 
 
 I will dwell in the midst of thee. 
 — Za. 2:10. 
 
 o 
 
 MOST sweet and loving Lord, whom 
 I now desire to receive with all devotion, 
 Thou knowest my weakness and the 
 necessity which I endure, in how great 
 evils and vices I am immersed, how often 
 I am oppressed, tempted, troubled and 
 defiled. 
 
 10 Thee I come for remedy; to Thee 
 do I pray for consolation and relief; I 
 speak to Him who knows all things, to 
 whom all that is within me is manifest, 
 and who alone can perfectly comfort 
 and help me. 
 
 1 HOU knowest what good things I 
 stand most in need of, and how poor I 
 am in virtues. 
 
 BEHOLD I stand before Thee, poor 
 and naked, begging Thy grace, and 
 imploring Thy mercy. 
 153 
 
154 ilomente tottf) tlje Conaolinj C&rist 
 
 JO EED Thy hungry suppliant; inflame 
 my coldness with the fire of Thy love; 
 enlighten my blindness with the bright- 
 ness of Thy presence. 
 
 JlURN for me all earthly things into 
 bitterness, all things grievous and adverse 
 into patience, and all low and created 
 things into contempt and oblivion. 
 
 JLlFT up my heart to Thee in heaven, 
 and suffer me not to wander upon earth. 
 
 MAYEST Thou alone be delightful to 
 me henceforth and for evermore. 
 
 JT OR Thou only art my meat and 
 drink, my love and my joy, my sweetness 
 and all my good. 
 
 vJH, that with Thy presence Thou 
 wouldst inflame, consume, and transform 
 me into Thyself, that I may be made one 
 spirit with Thee by the grace of internal 
 union, and by the melting of ardent love! 
 
Clmst ottt 3TntetnaI SSnion 155 
 
 OUFFER me not to go from Thee 
 hungry and dry, but deal with me in 
 Thy mercy, as Thou hast often dealt 
 wonderfully with Thy Saints. 
 
 WHAT marvel, if I should be wholly 
 set on fire by Thee, and should die to 
 myself, since Thou art a Fire always 
 burning, and never failing, a Love purify- 
 ing the heart and enlightening the 
 understanding! 
 
C&ttet our (Eternal T5lt&&iw 
 
 Thou openest Thy hand and fillest 
 with blessing every living creature. — 
 Ps. m:16. 
 
 W ITH the greatest devotion and 
 burning love, with all the affection and 
 fervor of my heart, I desire to receive 
 Thee, Lord; as many saints and 
 devout persons, who were most pleasing 
 to Thee in holiness of life, and most 
 fervent in devotion, have desired Thee, 
 in Holy Communion. 
 
 vJ MY God, eternal Love, my whole 
 good, and never-ending happiness, I 
 would gladly receive Thee with the most 
 vehement desire, and most worthy rever- 
 ence, that any of the saints have ever 
 had, or could experience. 
 
 AND although I am unworthy to 
 have all those feelings of devotion, yet 
 I offer to Thee the whole affection of my 
 heart, as if I alone had all those highly 
 pleasing inflamed desires. 
 156 
 
Cjjrtat 0ttt (Eternal %ltmn$ 157 
 
 X EA, and whatsoever a pious mind 
 can conceive and desire, all this, with 
 the greatest reverence and most inward 
 affection, I offer and present to Thee. 
 
 1 DESIRE to reserve nothing to my- 
 self, but freely and most willingly to 
 sacrifice myself, and all that is mine, to 
 Thee. 
 
 \J LORD my God, my Creator and Re- 
 deemer, I desire to receive Thee this day 
 with such affection, reverence, praise, 
 and honor; such gratitude, worthiness, 
 and love; such faith, hope, and purity, 
 as Thy most holy Mother, the glorious 
 Virgin Mary, received and desired Thee, 
 when she humbly and devoutly answered 
 the angel who declared to her the mystery 
 of the incarnation: Behold the handmaid 
 of the Lord; be it done unto me according 
 to Thy word. 
 
 i\.ND as Thy blessed precursor, the 
 most excellent among the saints, John 
 the Baptist, in Thy presence leaped for 
 joy through the Holy Ghost, while he 
 
158 JHomente toify tjje Consoling Cfcrtet 
 
 was yet enclosed in his mother's womb, 
 and afterwards seeing Jesus walking 
 among men, humbling himself exceed- 
 ingly, with devout affection said: The 
 friend of the bridegroom that standeth 
 and heareth Him, rejoiceth with joy for 
 the voice of the bridegroom; so I also 
 wish to be inflamed with great and holy 
 desires, and to present myself to Thee 
 with my whole heart. 
 
 WHEREFORE I here offer and 
 present to Thee the joys of all devout 
 hearts, their ardent affection, their ec- 
 stasies, and supernatural illuminations 
 and heavenly visions, together with all 
 the virtues and praises that are or shall 
 be celebrated by all creatures in heaven 
 and earth, for myself and all such as 
 have been recommended to my prayers, 
 that by all Thou mayest be worthily 
 praised and glorified forever. 
 
 ltECEIVE my prayers, Lord my 
 God, and my desires of giving Thee 
 infinite praise and boundless blessing, 
 which, according to the multitude of 
 
C&rtat ottr (Eternal %ltmn$ 159 
 
 Thy unspeakable greatness, are most 
 justly due to Thee. 
 
 1 HESE I render, and desire to render 
 Thee every day and every moment; and 
 I invite and entreat all the heavenly 
 spirits and all the faithful, by prayers 
 and affections, to render with me thanks- 
 giving and praise. 
 
 JLjET all people, tribes, and tongues 
 praise Thee, and magnify Thy holy and 
 sweet name, with the highest jubilation 
 and ardent devotion. 
 
 i\ND let all who reverently and de- 
 voutly celebrate Thy most high sacra- 
 ment, and receive it with full faith, find 
 grace and mercy at Thy hands, and 
 humbly pray for me, a sinful creature. 
 
 i\ND when they shall have obtained 
 their wished-for devotion and blissful 
 union, and shall retire from thy sacred 
 heavenly table, fully comforted and 
 wonderfully refreshed, let them vouchsafe 
 to remember my poor soul.